§ Mr. JAMES GARDINERasked the Secretary for Scotland what steps he is taking to give effect to the Report of the Third Fiars Inquiry of 1917; whether, in any legislation, retrospective effect will be given to the recommendations of that inquiry in reference to crops, 1917 and 1918, and, failing that, will he say upon whom the responsibility rests for the recommendations of the Committee being made void; whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that legislative provision has already been made dealing with the same question in England; and whether any satisfactory reason exists for the delay in dealing with the matter in Scotland?
§ Mr. MUNROAs the Report did not provide a basis on which any general agreement could be obtained with a view to legislation during the War, I took steps to bring representatives of the interests concerned into consultation with one another. I understand that negotiations have taken place and that views have been exchanged. I am not aware of the precise position at present, but I am taking steps to ascertain it. The Scottish problem is in essential particulars different from that which has been dealt with in England. When I receive the necessary information I shall consider the expediency of legislation.