§ 32. Mr. James Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will move to refer the Feudal Reform (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Grand Committee to be considered in relation to its principle under Standing Order No. 62.
§ Mr. DavidsonMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman for an assurance that he is not in favour of the feudal system nor of the continuation of feu duties in perpetuity? Why is the right hon. Gentleman opposed to debating this issue in the Scottish Grand Committee, and when may we expect legislation appropriate to the case?
§ Mr. RossI can give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that he wants about my feelings about the feudal system and the perpetuating of feu duties. I have never made any secret about that. I have never made any secret, either, of the fact that to review a system which has been in operation for centuries is a very complex 1368 matter, and not one appropriate for private Members' legislation. I can also tell the hon. Gentleman that, as the House knows, we have been engaged in a study of this problem for a considerable time, and we hope to be able to make a statement about it within the next few months.
§ Mr. William HamiltonIs my right hon. Friend aware that many hon. Members on this side of the House agree with the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, West (Mr. James Davidson), but would he further agree that it might have been a suitable subject for a referendum among Scottish people, in line with Liberal Party policy?
§ Mr. RossIf the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, West (Mr. James Davidson) thought it was of overweening priority he could have got this Bill in, instead of his referendum Bill, and the House could have discussed it.