HC Deb 26 October 1911 vol 30 cc292-3
Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that at the annual general meeting of the Scottish Chamber of Agriculture, held at Perth on the 6th instant, a resolution was passed by a large majority of Scottish agriculturists to the effect that, while expressing strong disapproval of the proposal to establish a separate Board of Agriculture for Scotland with no direct representation in the House of Commons, and acting upon the instructions and under the directions of the already overburdened Secretary for Scotland, and bearing in mind especially that the separate administration of the Diseases of Animals Acts would result in enormous trouble and loss to flock masters and stock owners, they desired, in lieu of the establishment of a separate Board of Agriculture for Scotland, to press for the creation of a Scottish Department of the present Board with fully staffed offices in Edinburgh and a chairman with a seat in the House of Commons, and assisted by a popularly elected consultative council composed of persons engaged in and connected with agriculture; and that a resolution to the same effect was unanimously adopted last week at York at a meeting of the Central and Associated Chambers of Agriculture attended by over 300 English and Scottish farmers; and whether the Government propose to modify the provisions of the Scottish Landholders Bill in the manner suggested by such resolutions?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am aware of the passing of the resolutions referred to on the occasions mentioned. The subject was considered fully when the Bill was in Committee, and the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to consult the wishes of the farmers of Scotland before he decides to constitute a separate Board of Agriculture for Scotland?

The PRIME MINISTER

I propose to consult the wishes of the representatives of Scotland.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question concerns not only Scotch, but British agriculturists as well, and that the measure referred to was considered by a Standing Committee composed almost entirely of Scotch Members, and therefore did not come under the cognisance of the whole House?

The PRIME MINISTER

But surely a Bill of that kind has to come before this House.

Mr. WATT

Is it not the case that the Scotch Members can manage agricultural matters as well as the English Members?