LORD BALFOUR OF BURLEIGHMy Lords, I have given notice of a private Question to the noble Earl the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster with reference to the position of Scotland under the Agriculture Bill. It is an English Bill but is applied to Scotland by one clause and some passages in some of the Schedules. The references are extremely complicated, and no explanation has yet been given as to what the effect of the Bill will be upon Scottish land. I understand it is proposed to take the Division on the Second Reading of the Bill on Wednesday afternoon before dinner. I know that the time of the House is much engaged, but it does seem to me, if so little time is to be given to this complicated measure, that we ought to sit earlier on Wednesday or have an assurance that someone representing Scotland will give us an explanation as to how the Bill will apply to Scotland. I am wholly unable to understand it, and I do not believe that the references in the Bill are correct.
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (THE EARL OF CRAWFORD)My Lords, as the noble Lord has indicated, it is hoped that the Division, if any, on the Agriculture Bill will take place about half-past seven on Wednesday. I am not sure whether it will be possible to meet earlier on that afternoon. I shall have to ascertain whether the judicial business of the House will permit it.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD BIRKENHEAD)It SO happens that their Lordships do sit judicially on Wednesday, but I can easily arrange that they should not sit after the luncheon hour.
THE EARL OF CRAWFORDIf that arrangement can be made so that your Lordships can sit earlier, I will discuss this 1024 afternoon at what time it would be convenient to your Lordships generally to meet. As regards the application of the Agriculture Bill to Scotland I quite appreciate what the noble Lord has said, and of course an explanation must be given of the clause which he finds obscure.