§ Sir S. CHAPMANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many commissions have been appointed under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act, 1899, since the Act came into operation; how many Bills have come before the commissioners; how many commissions have sat in Scotland; how many commissions have sat at Westminster; and the names of the promoters of the Bills considered at Westminster?
§ Sir G. COLLINSSince the Act came into operation, commissioners appointed thereunder have held 76 inquiries and 1295W have had referred to them 220 draft Provisional Orders. In accordance with the terms of Section 6 (1) of the Act, all such inquiries were held in Scotland. The total number of applications for Provisional Orders made to date is 680. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, it was decided that procedure ought to be by Private Bill and not by Provisional Order in the case of 122 draft Orders, and in the case of certain provisions in 27 draft Orders. Some of these cases, however, did not result in a hearing by a Select Committee owing to the fact that the provisions were not proceeded with or to the absence of opposition. I am sending to my hon. Friend particulars relating to the Measures dealt with as Private Bills.