HC Deb 16 November 1926 vol 199 c1663
13. Sir ROBERT HAMILTON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will call for a Report from the Land Court as to the working of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Acts, indicating in what respects amendment is now deemed necessary and desirable?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)

I do not think it necessary to call for such a report, but I should always be prepared to consider any suggestions which the Land Court might put before me.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable at this period, and after the experience we have had of the Acts, to call for a report as to their administration.

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am not clear that a report is called for at the present moment.

Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman has considered the suggestion made on several occasions by the Scottish Land Court that the Small Landowners Acts should be amended in order to give security of tenure to the smallholder?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I always give careful consideration to any suggestion which the Scottish Land Court may make, but I am not prepared now to take steps in that direction.