On Tuesday, the first of the three allotted days, Mr.
Walter Long proposed a new and valuable clause providing that nothing in the Act should prejudice or affect the Board of Agriculture in administering the Diseases of Animals Act. Under the Bill functions were transferred to the New Agricul- tural Commissioners, which would lead to duplication of juris- diction as well as conflicting action. Mr. Long was strongly supported by three Liberal Members, Mr. Warner, Mr. Everett, and Mr. Munro Ferguson ; but Mr. Sinclair refused to give way, and the clause was rejected, the Government majority falling to 56 (176 for and 120 against). Mr. Long's second amendment, directly challenging the proposal in Clause I. to apply the Crofters Act throughout Scotland, was also strongly supported by Mr. Munro Ferguson, who declared that if the Government proposal was carried agriculture would deteriorate, as owners would cease to invest their money in the equipment of land.
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