COLONEL SYKESsaid, he would beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is the purpose of the Government to bring before the House this Session a Reform Bill for the representation of Scotland; if so, whether the principles of representation to be adopted in the Reform Bill for England and Wales will be 1802 applied to Scotland; and whether any attempt will be made, to a greater or less extent, to adjust the number of Representatives in Scotland to the present wealth and population of the country?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to introduce a Bill to Reform the Representation of Scotland; but when it will be introduced it is not in my power at the present moment to state. Probably in the course of a short time it may be in my power to give this information. With regard to the principles on which it will be framed, they will be the same as those we shall recommend for the representation of England; of course, with such alterations as the difference between the laws of the two countries shall render necessary. With regard to the question of increasing the representation of Scotland, I beg to say that subject is under our consideration. We are giving it our best consideration, and we shall decide that question upon its merits.