asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects the report from the Committee of Inquiry set up by his predecessor to inquire into the pressure being brought to bear on sitting tenants in Glasgow to purchase their business premises or to vacate them.

I understand that the Committee of Inquiry into the tenure of shop premises in Scotland are now completing the preparation of their report, which I expect to receive at an early date.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that his answer is very similar to that which I got from his predecessor a long while ago. Is he further aware that the matter is urgent and that we asked for an interim report, which we never got?

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman would agree that it would be inadvisable for me to dictate to the Committee when it should meet and complete its report, but it is doing so in a few days.

Having regard to the terms of the Question, does not my right hon. Friend realise that the problem extends far beyond Glasgow, and will he include other cities and towns in Scotland in the report?

My hon. and learned Friend will observe that my answer refers to "shop premises in Scotland," which includes quite a number of places.

Will my right hon. Friend represent to the Committee that this is the time of the year when missives are issued by factors, and that it is essential that these people should know the position before the end of the year?

Will the Minister agree to a standstill order pending the issue of the report?