§ Resolution reported, "That, for carrying out the provisions of any Act of the present Session to encourage the formation of Small Agricultural Holdings in Scotland, it is expedient to authorise—
- (i) the payment, out of the Consolidated Fund, of the salaries of the Chairman and of each of the other Members of the Land Court;
- (ii) the payment, out of moneys provided by Parliament, of—
- (a) the salaries and remuneration of the Agricultural Commissioners (or any other body constituted for the purpose of dealing with agriculture in Scotland) and other persons appointed or employed by them and by the Land Court, and the expenses incurred by the Land Court and the Agricultural Commissioners (or any other body as aforesaid) in the execution of their duties;
- (b) an annual sum not exceeding one hundred and eighty-five thousand pounds for the use of the Agricultural Commissioners (or any other body as aforesaid);
- (c) compensation in certain cases to. members and officers of the Crofters Commission, and officers of the Congested Districts (Scotland) Commissioners."—[Mr. Gulland.]
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."
§ Mr. WATTMay I ask how it comes about that this reduced sum is proposed? The Lord Advocate stated that he would be able to wring £200,000 out of a reluctant Treasury. It is now reduced by £15,000. Is it to be assumed there will be a Supplementary Estimate of £15,000? Is the Government going to maintain the high position of always fulfilling its promises?
§ Mr. GULLAND (Lord of the Treasury)The hon. Member will remember there is at present £18,000 set aside for the Congested Districts Board, and that £15,000 added to the £185,000 granted in the resolution, which brings the total up to £200,000.
§ Mr. BOOTHI hope my hon. Friend will not regard this £15,000 being saved as a bad thing. I enter a caveat against that idea. I shall only be too glad to hear that that sum has been saved.
§ Question put, and agreed to.