§ House in Committee (according to Order).
§ LORD REDESDALEobserved that the amount proposed by the noble Earl opposite (the Earl of Airlie) to be charged for carrying out certain improvements at the cost of the estate was equal to three years' rental. He had, however, ascertained that, so far as Scotland was concerned, two years' rental only was allowed. He thought that the charge should be based upon the rateable value of the estate, and not upon the rental, in order that the net value might be determined, and that jointures and other charges should be deducted therefrom. He contended that a private Act of Parliament was the better process, and condemned the tendency to charge everything on the inheritance, the tenant for life bearing no burden himself.
THE EARL OF AIRLIEwas understood to have no objection to the two years' rental as in Scotland. The Bill had for its main object the improvement of small estates, that could not afford to spend much money in obtaining Parliamentary powers; and he further objected to the intervention of the Court of Chancery, as suggested on a former occasion by a noble and learned Lord, as a tribunal associated with delay and expense; he hoped their Lordships would not introduce any provision which might tend to embarrass the operation of the principle of the measure.
§ Amendments made: The Report thereof to be received on Thursday next; and Bill to be printed, as amended. (No. 245.)