§ 36. Major MACKENZIE WOODasked the Secretary for Scotland whether any decision has yet been come to as to the application to Scotland of the promised Bill to give security of tenure to tenant farmers?
39. Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that there is an increasing number of tenants in Scotland receiving notices to quit owing to the sale of their farms; and whether, in these circumstances, he can hold out any hopes that a Bill giving security of tenure to agricultural tenants in Scotland will shortly be introduced?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)I am not aware of any appreciable increase in the number of notices to quit. As regards the Bill, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friends to the replies given yesterday by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, to which I am not, as yet, in a position to add.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture told us nothing at all about Scotland?
§ Mr. MUNROThat is a matter for consideration. My present view is that Scotland might with advantage come within the provisions of the English Bill. I am, however, quite prepared to consider any representations on the subject that may be made by my hon. Friends.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very distinct feeling to the contrary in Scotland, and that there should be a separate Bill for Scotland?
§ Mr. MUNROI have not yet reached any concluded opinion on the subject, and I shall be glad to receive any representations.
§ Major W. MURRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that the case of Scotland will be considered, whether there be one or two Bills, contemporaneously with that of England?
§ Mr. MUNROI have no hesitation in giving that undertaking. I cannot state the precise moment for consideration, but there will be no avoidable delay.