HC Deb 04 May 1943 vol 389 cc2-3
3 and 4. Mr. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he will set up a committee to consider the implications and effect of the recommendations contained in the Uthwatt Report upon the Scottish system of land tenure; (2) whether he will now give an assurance that, in the event of a decision by His Majesty's Government to implement the recommendations of the Uthwatt Committee, separate legislation will be introduced for Scotland?

Mr. Johnston

In the examination of the recommendations of the Uthwatt Committee which is now proceeding the problems presented by the Scottish system of land tenure are being fully considered, and meantime I see no reason to set up a committee as the hon. Member suggests. Separate Scottish legislation will be introduced to give effect to the recommendations of the Uthwatt Committee already accepted on the subject of interim development control, and wherever separate legislation appears to be justified in relation to any other recommendations which may be adopted the same course will be followed.

Mr. Boothby

Is the right hon. gentleman aware that the Uthwatt Committee's Report only touched very superficially upon the Scottish problem, and in view of the fact that the Scottish system of land tenure is entirely different from the English system, will he give an absolute assurance that no comprehensive legislation dealing with the two countries will be simultaneously introduced?

Mr. Johnston

That is the comprehensive answer I have given.

Mr. Stokes

Will my right hon. friend instruct the committee examining these matters to bear in mind the importance of returning to the people the land for which they are fighting?