The MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked the Lord Advocate if he will state when the Government intend to introduce the Amendment in the Agricultural Holdings Act with regard to sheep stock valuations in Scotland, which he announced in his letter published shortly before the recent election?
Mr. DEWARAs the Noble Marquess is doubtless aware, an appeal has been taken to the House of Lords against the decision of the Court of Session on which the request for legislation was based. Until the appeal is decided it would be premature to introduce a Bill.
The MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEMay I ask is it not the fact that when the Lord Advocate wrote his letter he stated it was decided to introduce a Bill amending the Act of 1908, without any qualification at all with regard to future legislation which may, or may not, suit certain parties?
Mr. DEWARIf there had been no appeal then legislation would have been necessary, but the matter will be decided on appeal, and probably no legislation will be necessary. The appeal has been taken since letter was written.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is not entitled to argue.