§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked whether the letter written by the Chief Patronage Secretary to Sir Thomas Borthwick implies any change of view on the part of the Government in their intention to reintroduce and pass into law the Scottish Small Landholders Bill, as passed previously by this House; and, if so, whether a compromise on the Bill is being arranged with the Scottish landlords?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's question, I would refer him to the full answer which I gave to similar questions on 3rd April. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that those who have experience of the working of the English Small Holdings Act would deprecate the introduction of the purchase system into Scotland?
§ Mr. WATTCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Small Landholders Bill will be re-introduced?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo; I cannot say at this moment.