§ 53. Mr. COWANasked the Prime Minister if he can state when the Report stage of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act (1911) Amendment Bill, introduced by the hon. Member for East Edinburgh, will be taken; and whether the Government intends to make itself responsible for the further progress of this measure?
§ Mr. JAMES HOGGEBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask is he aware that there is a meeting to-day at four o'clock of the Scottish Members who wish to make representations to the Prime Minister about this Bill?
§ Mr. COWANBefore he replies, would the right hon. Gentleman allow me to say that the meeting was called in view of this question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe matter is not being lost sight of by the Government.
§ Mr. COWANWould the Prime Minister indicate at what stage he expects to be able to take the House into his confidence as to whether this measure, piloted through Committee by the Secretary for Scotland, will be proceeded with, and whether as a Government measure or a private measure?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say anything more than I have already said.