HC Deb 01 September 1939 vol 351 cc215-6

" To modify the rights and liabilities of persons interested in land in Scotland damaged by war," presented, pursuant to the Order of the House this day, by Mr. Colville; supported by the Lord Advocate, the Solicitor-General for Scotland, and Mr. Wedderburn; and ordered to be printed. [Bill 243.]

11.15 p.m.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)

I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

This Bill corresponds to the Bill which we passed earlier this evening, the English Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) Bill. It was necessary to have a separate Bill for Scotland owing to the difference in the form of land tenure, but the principle is exactly the same, and it was explained by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General. The main provisions of the Bill are for relief from the obligation to repair damage to land, which includes buildings in the case of war damage. Power is given to the sheriff court, on the application of any party interested in the land, to suspend or modify the terms of the title deed relating to the land and to terminate the contract under which it is held.

Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

The Bill seems to be a counterpart of the English Bill, and I see no objection to it.

Question, "That the Bill be now read a Second time," put, and agreed to.

Bill read a Second time; considered in Committee; reported, without Amendment; (King's Consent signified) read the Third time, and passed.