§ 4.5 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, I beg to ask the Government the question of which I have given them private Notice—namely, whether some indication can now be given as to the further course of procedure on the Public Registers and Records (Scotland) Bill.
§ LORD MORRISONMy Lords, since the adjournment of the debate on the Motion to refer this Bill to a Select Committee, the Government have given careful consideration to the views expressed by noble Lords and to the course which they should pursue on the Bill. The proposals in Clause 2 are admittedly of a technical nature and, as the debates in this House have shown, are controversial. They have already been the subject of investigation on three occasions, twice by a strong legal Committee. The Government appreciate, however, that many members of your Lordships' House are doubtful whether legislation should be proceeded with, without further examination of the case, in face of the opposition of many of the legal societies in Scotland. On consideration, the Government are prepared to agree that the matter is one for further expert inquiry, which they think should now be of wider scope. They propose, therefore, to appoint immediately a Committee to review further in the first instance the processes of registration of writs in the Sasines Office and to report thereon. The Committee thereafter will proceed to consider the case for introducing registration of title to land in Scotland and, if necessary, to recommend the procedure by which such registration might be effected. The Committee will be asked to report at the earliest possible date so that further consideration may be given 174 to the Bill in the present Session. In the meantime, the Government propose that the debate should stand adjourned.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his statement, which will be received with great satisfaction. Is it possible for him to make any statement in regard to the personnel of the Committee likely to be appointed?
§ LORD MORRISONActive steps are being taken in order to set up the Committee as soon as possible, and I am glad to be able to announce that Lord Macmillan has consented to act as its Chairman. The names of the other members will be announced shortly. May I add that the noble Lord, Lord Saltoun whose Motion to refer the Bill to a Select Committee was under discussion when the difficulty arose, has informed me that he is unable to be present this afternoon but that he is quite satisfied with the proposal which I have just announced.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKI thank the noble Lord for his statement. I am sure that I speak for all parts of the House when I say that the appointment of Lord Macmillan as Chairman of the Committee will give great satisfaction and confidence, both inside and outside this House.