§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)asked the Lord Advocate, 645 Whether Dundee has been made a city, with a Lord Provost; how the right to these titles is obtained in Scotland; whether all Scotch cities are entitled to a Lord Provost; whether the ancient City of St. Andrews is entitled to elect such a dignitary; and, if he can say whether Dunfermline, Elgin, and other places are so entitled?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. P. B. ROBERTSON) (Bute)Dundee will be made a city as soon as the Charter passes the Great Seal. The Charter does not affect the title of the Chief Magistrate. The right to that title is obtained by Act of Parliament, prescription, or Royal grant. It is not the practice of all Scotch cities to have their Chief Magistrates styled Lord Provost. The Chief Magistrate of St. Andrews is not usually styled Lord Provost, nor are the Chief Magistrates of Dunfermline and Elgin.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)What is the advantage of these titles?
§ MR. J. P. B. ROBERTSONI should recommend the hon. Baronet to apply to the putter of the Question.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLCould the citizens of St. Andrews not give their Chief Magistrate the title of Lord Provost if they wished to?
§ MR. J. P. B. ROBERTSONThe right of the Council of St. Andrews is to elect their Chief Magistrate. His title is determined by law in the manner I have stated.