§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ MR. MUNRO FERGUSON (Leith Burghs)I beg to move the Second Reading of this Bill. The Bill is intended to remedy what has been generally recognized by agriculturists as a weak point in the Act of 1883. The system of valuation has led to very considerable expense, owing to its being necessary for every party to select a valuator. Under the proposals of this Bill, the Sheriff, failing agreement, will have the right to appoint a valuator, who will then be judicial referee. In this way simplicity of proceeding will be effected, as well as economy.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Munro Ferguson.)
§ *MR. J. P. B. ROBERTSONI think the Bill ought to be read a second time. The proposal, I believe, will conduce, in the main, to efficiency and economy, and it may possibly deprive arbitrations of one of the characteristics which, I am afraid, often belong to them of two of the functionaries being more or less of a partizan character. There are some provisions in the Bill which are susceptible of amendment, and I fancy the hon. Member will not resent the proposal of some changes which will better har- 1114 monize his proposals with the state of the law.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed for Monday, 1st April.