§ DR. MACGREGORI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will confer with the Opposition with a view of ascertaining if, by the withdrawal for the present of the part of the Crofters Bill which includes some additional counties, they would consent to its being committed to the Scotch Grand Committee?
§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire W.)said, he desired, before the Chancellor of the Exchequer answered, to ask him whether he was aware that, in the opinion of many Scotch Members, the extension to additional counties was one of the most valuable parts of the Crofters Bill, and that if he abandoned it to facilitate the opposition of hon. Members he would encounter much more formidable opposition in another quarter.
§ DR. MACGREGORBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers, does he understand that my aim was to save the ship?
§ *THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERIn a day or two I hope to be able to make a statement on the subject, which I hope will relieve the difficulties that have arisen and deliver me from the cross-fire of questions.
§ DR. MACGREGORIn consequence of that reply, which is unsatisfactory here and will be elsewhere, I beg to give notice to the right hon. Gentleman, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, that I prefer not to oppose the Government. [Cries of "Order."]
§ *MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must give notice of the question in the ordinary way.
§ DR. MACGREGORThen, Sir, I will put it on the paper for to-morrow.