THE EARL OF LYTTONsaid that gates formed a very important part of a holding, and he thought the record would not be complete without them. He accordingly moved that they should be included in the record.
§ Amendment moved—
§ "In page 4, line 31, after the word 'fences' to insert the word 'gates."—(The Earl of Lytton).
631§ Amendment moved—
§ "In page 4, line 31, after the Word 'roads' to insert the word 'gates,' and after the word 'drains' to insert the word 'ditches."—(Earl Carrington.)
THE EARL OF LYTTONsaid that as the Bill now stood, after the Amendment just agreed to, it would include all drains. He therefore desired to insert words to exclude field drains. It might cause a great deal of inconvenience to the farmer to interfere with field drains.
§ Amendment moved—
§ "In page 4, line 31, after the word 'drains' to insert the words 'other than field drains."—(The Earl of Lytton.)
A NOBLE LORDsaid it was very easy to find it out when field drains were damaged in any way, and it would be a great pity to exclude them from the clause.
§ On Question, Amendment negatived.
THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNsaid he had been asked by Lord Lytton to move an Amendment providing that the record should be made within six months after the commencement of the tenancy.
§ Amendment moved—
§ "In page 4, line 32, after the word 'made' to insert the words 'within six months after the commencement of the tenancy."—(The Earl of Camperdown.)
§ EARL CARRINGTONWould the noble Lord accept one month in place of six months? I proposed to move an Amendment on Lord Penrhyn's Amendment very much to the same effect. I propose to amend that Amendment by saying "Within one month after."
THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNsaid he had no particular objection to accepting "one month," but he thought it was rather a short time. Would the noble Earl make it "three months?
§ EARL CARRINGTONI accept that.
THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNsaid the object of his next Amendment was to maintain this record and keep it up-to-date.
§ Amendment moved—
§ "In line 35, after the word 'proportions' insert the words 'where such record has been made either party at any time during the tenancy may require the entry thereon at his own cost, if any, of improvements made or depreciation having occurred (other than depreciation from fair wear and tear) in the condition of the buildings, fences, roads, drains, and cultivation of the holding."—(The Earl of Camperdown.)
§ EARL CARRINGTONI cannot accept this Amendment. The view of the Government is that it would be the cause of a great deal of trouble and would lead to considerable complications. I am in the hands of the Committee and, though I earnestly make my protest against the Amendment, I shall not put them to the trouble of a division.
§ VISCOUNT ST. ALDWYNsaid it would not do to make the requirement too costly and two troublesome.
THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNsaid if there were going to be difficulties and troubles, was that any reason why the record should not be kept up.
§ THE EARL OF PEMBROKEasked whether it would not be the case that every estate office would keep a record.
THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNsaid a record would no doubt be kept by every estate office, but that the estate would then be charged. However he would not press the Amendment.
§ Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Clause 8 agreed to.