§ 22. Mr. STEPHENasked the Secretary for Scotland what steps, if any, he intends to take to encourage and assist allotment holders in Scotland; and whether it is his intention to introduce legislation this Session in this connection?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs I informed the Scottish National Union of Allotment Holders after a deputation which I received in March, I am prepared to consider any proposals which may be put forward by the allotment holders or by local authorities or others with the object of assisting the development of allotments other than the proposed utilisation of moneys from the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund for the purchase of land for allotments. Neither the local authorities nor the allotment holders have hitherto informed me that they desire the application to Scotland of any of the main proposals of the Bill which passed 2198 this House on Friday last. In the circumstances, I am not in a position to make any statement with regard to prospective legislation at present.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs the Minister aware that allotment holders and the Corporations of Glasgow and Edinburgh understood that, since Conservative, Liberal, and Labour Members of this House representing Scotland were alike backing the Bill that was brought forward, there would be no difficulty in regard to its passing?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIf the hon. Member refers to the Bill of the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain Benn), I have already explained to my hon. Friend that I cannot agree to that.