asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now say when he expects to have the Report from the Committee set up by his predecessor with regard to small business premises; and what are the prospects of legislation in time to protect small business people, before May, 1948.

My right hon. Friend has received the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Tenure of Shop Premises in Scotland, and is arranging for publication as soon as possible. As regards prospects of legislation, I would ask my hon. Friend to await publication of the Report.