HC Deb 14 July 1931 vol 255 c213
32. Mr. MACPHERSON

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that on the estate of Newhall, in Ross-shire, a tax, locally known as the bishop's tax, is imposed on and collected from eight small proprietors by the Crown Receiver in Edinburgh; if he will say under what Statute or authority the Crown Receiver acts; and if it is proposed to continue to burden these proprietors with a tax which no other proprietors have to bear in the locality?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)

This question relates to the land revenues of the Crown, which are administered by the Commissioners of Crown Lands. As explained in the reply given to the hon. and learned Member on 24th April, 1923, the so-called tax is, in fact, a feu duty which was formerly pay able to the Bishop of Ross, and is now payable to the Crown as the superior of the lands.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is time this tax was abolished?

Dr. ADDISON

I would not like to express an opinion on a point concerning the Scottish land laws. My answer is correct.