§ MR. AINSWORTH (Argyllshire)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Court of Session in the case of Gillespie against Riddell; and whether, in view of the serious effect this must have on the letting of sheep farms, he can say what steps can be taken, by legislation or otherwise, to secure to the agricultural tenant the fulfilment of engagements undertaken by a former tenant-in-entail.
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. THOMAS SHAW,) Hawick BurghsMy attention has been called to this case. I understand, however, that it is not unlikely that the judgment of the Court of Session may be taken for review to the House of Lords, and in view of this the consideration of legislation would be premature. I may Bay, however, to my hon. friend, that I recognise the importance of the judgment. I gather that the decision truly reserves the right of the tenant to sue the representatives of the former entail proprietor in respect of failure fully to implement the original covenant; and certain further reservations are made. Notwithstanding this, I acknowledge that the situation produced by the decision will have to be carefully watched, and it, may be taken that that will be done.