§ 25. Mr. HICKS BEACHasked the Secretary for Scotland how many cases of appeal against the Land Court decision are awaiting a hearing in the Court of Session at Edinburgh, and what is the cause of the delay in their being heard?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)Three special cases, having been adjusted by the Scottish Land Court, were lodged with the clerks of the Court of Session in March and are now awaiting a hearing. The Court of Session has been in vacation since 20th March.
§ Mr. HOGGEDoes it really matter whether these cases are heard or not, seeing that in all cases in which there have been appeals the decision of the Land Court has been upheld?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI am not prepared to say it does not matter, but the facts are, I believe, as stated by the hon. Member.
§ 26. Mr. HICKS BEACHasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that Appendix F of the Report of the Scottish Land Court, 1913, shows that the percentage of reduction of the rents of ninety-nine holdings in 1912 as compared with the first fair rents was 19.5; whether the first fair rents were arrived at after hearing all the evidence in support of a reduction of the old rent; and what circumstance?, have arisen since then to justify a further average reduction of 19.5 per cent.?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. It is no part of my duty to explain the grounds upon which the Scottish Land Court, which is an independent tribunal, arrives at its decisions.
§ Mr. HOGGECan my right hon. Friend say whether during the same period in which these reductions of 19 per cent. has taken place on these holdings on large farms the rents have been reduced by 40 per cent.?