Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at 4:15 pm on 3 May 2000.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Fergus Ewing Fergus Ewing Scottish National Party 4:15, 3 May 2000

I have listened to what the minister said with great care, but I am not sure that he provided a full explanation of the possible interpretation of my amendment. I am not persuaded that the bill meets my concern and I suggest to the minister that former vassals will continue to be in a weak position. They will also continue to have to ask their former superior—as future owner of the dominant tenement—to waive conditions and they will have to deal with tests of substantial loss or disadvantage. I ask Parliament to make it clear that, when that test is being applied to superiors, they should not be able to argue that they were formerly in receipt of £500 or £1,000 but now have lost that advantage. We are trying to remove such advantage. That is what the amendment would do—let me say, with respect to the minister, that that is why I moved it.