HC Deb 08 February 1949 vol 461 cc185-6
35. Mr. McKinlay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional members of the Scottish Land Court are to be appointed; what qualifications are required; and what method of selection will be adopted.

Mr. Woodburn

It is proposed to appoint two members of the Scottish Land Court, of whom one will be in place of a member retiring under the age limit on the 21st March next. These two members should be practical agriculturists of standing with experience of agricultural arbitrations and farm records; one with special knowledge of hill farming and the other with special knowledge of dairy farming. The appointments wilt be on a full-time basis. The appointments are made by His Majesty on the recommendation of the Secretary of State and my recommendations will be made after consideration of any applications sent to me and such inquiry as may be necessary, and after consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate, and the Chairman of the Land Court.

Sir W. Darling

May I ask if the qualification of speaking Gaelic is not important and would one of these officers have that qualification?

Mr. Woodburn

There is always one Gaelic-speaking member of the court.

Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

Will either of the new members be Gaelic-speaking?

Mr. Woodburn

I would require notice of that question.

Mr. McKinlay

They speak Edinburgh.