HC Deb 19 April 1888 vol 324 cc1743-4
MR. CALDWELL (Glasgow, St. Rollox)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the Government are prepared to alter the composition of the Scotch Education Department by substituting for the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Home Secretary two other Members of the Privy Council more intimately acquainted with Scotch affairs, and able to devote more time to the discharge of the important duties delegated to that Department by statute or otherwise?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

The Government are not prepared to substitute other Members of the Privy Council for the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Home Secretary upon the Scotch Education Committee. The presence of these Ministers on the Committee is essential, in view of the questions relating to finance, and to the administration of the Factory and similar Acts which come before the Committee.

MR. CALDWELL

asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman could give a Return showing the attendance of these Ministers at the Committee?

MR. W. H. SMITH

No; I am afraid that I cannot give such a Return.