HC Deb 04 March 1935 vol 298 cc1578-80
54. Mr. LEONARD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, three judges of the Supreme Court of Scotland in 1911 laid down for the guidance of sheep valuations precise instructions to arbiters as to the basis upon which such valuations were to be made; and if his Department took steps to see that such instructions were acted upon in disputes affecting State farms?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)

Certain observations were made by Judges of the Court of Session on 9th December, 1911, with respect to the principles of valuation of sheep stock. I have no doubt that parties having an interest to do so bring these observations to the notice of arbiters. My right hon. Friend has no power to lay down instructions to arbiters as to the basis upon which their valuations should be made in disputes affecting State farms.

Mr. LEONARD

Will the hon. Gentleman state whether in view of the fact that the State has lost a considerable number of thousands of pounds in the valuations of farms under the jurisdiction of the State, it is not their duty to see that their farms conform to the regulations laid down by the judges?

Mr. SKELTON

The hon. Member no doubt refers to small holdings in Scotland owned by the Department of Agriculture. Where there is an arbitration in regard to these, the Department is in the position of one of the parties, and would therefore, be doubly precluded from laying down instructions for the arbitrator before whom they came.

55. Mr. LEONARD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that the Kinross Committee on sheep valuations recommended that arbiters should state reasons for their findings, he proposes to take any action to make that recommendation operative?

Mr. SKELTON

The hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware that legislation would be required to give effect to this recommendation. I am unable to state at present whether it will be possible to introduce such legislation during the present session.

Mr. LEONARD

Does the hon. Member say that the matter has been considered from the point of view of legislation?

Mr. SKELTON

I should prefer that my answer should be in its present form. Perhaps the hon. Member would like to ask another question later.

56. Mr. LEONARD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make available for perusal by interested persons the evidence given before the Kinross Committee on sheep stock valuations?

Mr. SKELTON

Evidence given before a departmental committee is only published in exceptional circumstances. In this particular case the circumstances were not considered such as to justify publication.

Mr. LEONARD

Can the hon. Member say whether there will be a scrutiny of evidence?

Mr. SKELTON

I cannot say without notice.