HC Deb 03 June 1913 vol 53 cc772-3
35. Captain WARING

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that, owing to the congested state of business in the Land Court, an applicant for resumption of his holding in Gamrie parish, Banffshire, was unable to have his case dealt with before the term of Whit Sunday, that he has not yet got entry to his farm, and that he has difficulty in providing for his family, stock, and implements; and whether he proposes to take any steps to, secure the overtaking of arrears of work now accumulated in the Land Court in order that a case of this kind may be promptly dealt with?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am informed that the delay in the case referred to is due not to any congestion of business, but to the necessity of reasonable notice to the tenant in possession before he can be asked to quit the holding.

36. Captain WARING

asked whether, in view of the congested state of business in the Land Court, he will consider the expediency of delegating some of the judges of the Court of Session to assist in overtaking the work?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The work at the beginning of a new system necessarily leads to extra pressure, and it is too early to allege congestion in the business of the Land Court. The course suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend is not a competent one.

Captain WARING

In view of the state of business in the Scottish Courts, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be well if some of the judges of the Court of Session were employed to overtake the arrears of work in the Land Court?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

That is not their business, and you could not put that business upon them without special legislation. As to the state of business in the Scottish Courts, I could not reply without notice.

Mr. WATT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Land Court the judges say they have constantly to go through the work twice, instead of once?