§ 47. Mr. Gallacherasked the Prime Minister whether he will allocate more time for the discussion of Scottish Business or, alternately, will he arrange for the re-establishment of the Scottish Grand Committee for the discussion of purely Scottish Business?
§ 48. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the allocation of time for Scottish Business?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware of any ground for reconsidering at present the time allotted to the discussion of purely Scottish Business, which does not appear to have suffered restriction in comparison with other Business of the House as a result of war-time conditions. In the present abnormal circumstances the Government feel it impracticable to refer Bills to Standing Committees, for reasons which will be readily understood in all quarters of the House.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Scottish 492 Grand Committee could meet in Scotland on Monday, do its business, travel on Monday night and submit the result to the House on Tuesday? Would not that be an advantage, in view of the way Business is all cluttered up at present?
§ The Prime MinisterWhether it would be an advantage or not I cannot now discuss, but it certainly does not arise out of the Question.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that all that we are after is justice for Scotland?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is the most earnest desire of the Government that justice in the fullest measure should be given to that gallant nation.
§ Sir Alfred BeitWould it be too much to ask that the two hon. Members should concentrate their attention exclusively on Scottish affairs?
§ Mr. John DugdaleCould we have a day set apart for English affairs?