§ 54. Mr. STEPHENasked the Prime Minister if he will arrange for facilities being given for the passing of the Allotments (Scotland) Bill, in view of the fact that it is backed by Members of all parties in this House and also commands the approval of the town councils of Glasgow and Edinburgh and the various allotment holders associations in Scotland?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)I have been asked to reply. The Leader of the House informs me that in view of the state of public business he is not prepared to give facilities for the passing of the Bill referred to, which raises important questions of principle.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Bill is being passed for England, and is he not looking after the interests of Scotland in this matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes, Sir. I am aware that a Bill is being brought before the House, but it will be a Bill different from that which the hon. Member has in mind.
Captain BENNWill the right hon. Gentleman instruct the Whips not to oppose the passage of this Bill after 11 o'clock?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir.
Captain BENNWhat becomes of the right hon. Gentleman's argument that it is lack of time, when it is the definite and direct opposition of the Government Whips?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI made it quite clear that there is a definite matter of principle concerned in this question.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs this a method of trying to evade the matter of the £4,000 which is involved in this Scottish land question? Is it a move to get away from the promise of £4,000 in connection with allotments in Scotland?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThere was no promise of £4,000 for the purposes with which this Bill deals.
§ Mr. STEPHENWhat is the right hon. Gentleman going to do in the interests of Scotland?