§ MR. T. DUNCOMBEhad a question of 975 some importance, with regard to the Ministerial influence in that House, to put to the noble Lord at the head of the Government. He perceived that the Secretary of the Board of Trade had addressed the electors of Glasgow, and had made a very able statement of his political opinions. Now he wanted to ask the noble Lord whether it was legal for the permanent Secretary of the Board of Trade to hold that office and have a seat in that House; or whether it were the intention, if Mr. M'Gregor were returned, that he should continue Secretary of the Board of Trade? In that case they might have in the House the President of the Board of Trade, the Vice-President of the Board of Trade, and the Secretary of the Board of Trade, who was permanent, and not "removable;" and he should like to hear the noble Lord's opinion on the matter, which he thought was of importance. He, therefore, wished to ask the noble Lord whether Mr. M'Gregor could sit in that House if he were returned as Member for Glasgow?
§ LORD JOHN RUSSELLcould not answer the question with respect to the legality of the Secretary of the Board being competent to sit in that House; that must depend upon the construction of the Acts with respect to the constitution of that Board. He did not, however, think it necessary to examine this question of legality, as he understood, when Mr. M'Gregor informed him of his intention to be a candidate for a seat in the ensuing Parliament, that it was not his intention to hold his office, should he be elected. The President and Vice-President of the Board of Trade were a quite sufficient representation of the Board of Trade in that House; and he did not think it was necessary that the person filling the office of Secretary of that Board should have a seat in that House.