HC Deb 17 November 1911 vol 31 cc674-5

Resolution reported, "That it is expedient to authorise the payment out of the Consolidated Fund of a retiring annuity to any chairman of the Land Court in pursuance of any Act of the present Session to encourage the formation of Small Agricultural Holdings in Scotland."

Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."

Sir G. YOUNGER

May I ask whether it is in order here to ask about the constitution of this Court, and for the names of those who are to get this pension, because hitherto we have been refused them. In the Debate the other night on the Insurance Bill the Lord Advocate was put in exactly the same position as on this Bill. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said the names would be given before the Bill passed the Report stage. If it is in order, therefore, I should certainly ask that the names might be given at this stage, because I think this is an exactly parallel case.

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)

I am not prepared to give the names at this stage. I think it would be entirely premature. The Bill might not become law, and it would be rather invidious to give the names of gentlemen who might never hold office.

Sir G. YOUNGER

This is exactly the same position as regards the Insurance Bill. Nobody knows whether that Bill will become law or not, but the Chancellor of the Exchequer has promised the names shall be given before the Report stage.

Mr. BOOTH

I wish to correct the hon. Gentleman. The Chancellor of the Exchequer's promise was that they would be given before the Insurance Bill left the House.

Mr. BARNES

I am not going to put the House to the trouble of a Division, but I want it to be understood I am not assenting to this Resolution. I protest against it. This is to make provision for the pension of one man out of five. I do not know why he should be pensioned rather than the others. I can only assume it is going to be a fat job for some lawyer, probably a lawyer well known already, and I protest against public money being voted long before it is wanted.

Question, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution," put, and agreed to.