§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (VISCOUNT NOVAR)My Lords, this is a Bill to consolidate the enactments relating to agricultural holdings in Scotland. A similar measure passed your Lordships' House last year, and passed through Committee in the House of Commons, but made no further progress. Representatives of agriculture have asked that a consolidating Act should be passed, in order to make it easier to refer to the law, and the Government are anxious to meet this very reasonable wish. A similar measure, providing or the consolidation of the English Acts, has also been introduced into your Lordships' House. The present Bill differs from that of last year simply by giving effect to certain minor changes in the law made last year, and some similar Amendments are made in the English Bill. I understand that it, is not intended to refer thorn back to Lord 375 Muir Mackenzie's Committee. They are purely consolidating measures. I beg to move that this Bill be read a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.— (Viscount Novar.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.