HC Deb 26 March 1908 vol 186 cc1578-9
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill has been rejected by the Lords, will he state what steps the Government propose to take to meet the land hunger and distress in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

MR. SINCLAIR

The responsibility for the rejection of this Bill does not lie with the Government. They are very sensible of the vital importance of the subject, an importance which has in no degree decreased, but I have no statement to make at present.

MR. WEIR

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is acute distress in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and that the Bill which was brought in was an impossible Bill to pass? Is the right hon. Gentleman also not aware that the conditions in the Highlands are totally different from those in the Lowlands?

MR. SINCLAIR

I am aware of the fact, but I am not able to follow my hon. friend into a discussion of that nature.

VISCOUNT HELMSLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government intend to support in this House another Bill dealing with that subject which has been introduced by a noble Lord in the House of Lords?

MR. SINCLAIR

That question will arise when the circumstance occurs to which the noble Lord refers.

MR. AINSWORTH

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of increasing the powers of the Congested Districts Board of Scotland by legislation so as to enable them to deal with the question of small holdings by hiring or purchasing land for the whole of Scotland?

MR. SINCLAIR

asked for notice of that Question.