MOTION FOR A RETURN. (Hansard, 13 June 1882)

THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWN
My Lords, I beg to move for a Return of

"I. Entails executed in Scotland prior to 1st August 1848;
975

(a) The number cut off since that date;

(b.) The number now in existence:

"II. Entails executed in Scotland on and subsequent to 1st August 1848;

(a.) The number registered;

(b.) The number which have since been cut off;

(c.) The number now in existence."
I believe the Returns, if they are granted, will give very useful and instructive information in regard to existing Acts of Entail. There was an Act passed in 1847, called Lord Rutherford's Act; but I have never seen any Returns of the operation of that Act. Those "who framed that Act expected that by it entails granted in future would be easier to cut off than heretofore. I should very much like to know what has resulted. I do not myself know how many entails there are at present in Scotland—whether there are 1,000 or 1,000,000—and I think it would be very instructive and very useful, especially in reference to the Bill which is now before your Lordships' House, if these Returns should be granted.

THE EARL OF ROSEBERY
I quite agree with my noble Friend that these Returns would be very useful and instructive if they could be obtained. All I can say is, that we will do our best to obtain them for him.

§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY
Seeing that the noble Earl's Bill—the Entail (Scotland) Bill—comes on on Thursday for second reading, I suppose we shall have these Returns long after the measure has gone to "another place."

THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWN
I hope, at all events, we shall get the Returns early, and before we get into Committee. I do not think there need be much delay; because I should think it would be only a question of copying of certain Returns in the Register House at Edinburgh.

THE EARL OF ROSEBERY
I am glad the noble Marquess takes an interest in the Bill, and, that he expects it to pass so speedily through this House and go to "another place."