HC Deb 06 June 1962 vol 661 cc448-9
16. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up a committee to investigate the law relating to feu-duty in Scotland.

Mr. Brooman-White

My right hon. Friend does not think that he would be justified at present in setting up an inquiry into the system of land tenure in Scotland.

Mr. Thomson

Is the Minister aware that with increasing house ownership there is growing irritation with this quite mediaeval imposition? Does not the hon. Gentleman think that it is about time we looked again into this question to see whether owner-occupiers can enjoy the same rights as those in England to purchase the freehold of their houses if they wish to?

Mr. Brooman-White

We have not, to date, been made aware of any widespread demand for this. It is an extremely complicated problem, and the individual charges are in most cases fairly small.