§ MR. BAXTERThe Home Secretary stated yesterday, in answer to a Question in reference to Scotch Business, that it was intended to proceed with the Education Bills; but he made no reference to two other Bills, and an impression has been created that they will not be proceeded with. I, therefore, beg to ask, Whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed this Session with the Under Secretaries of State Bill and the Lord Clerk Register (Scotland) Bill?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSTwo classes of objections have been taken to these Bills. In the first place, so far as the Under Secretaries of State Bill is concerned, an objection has been taken in Scotland that it would interfere with the position and standing of the Lord Advocate for the time being. I think that is a very fallacious view of the matter, and one that further investigation will dispel. The objection taken to the other is of a more serious and practical character; and that is, that it is proposed to take some of the funds from the Register Office in order to pay the Under Secretary of State. That has given rise to a great deal of discussion in Scotland. I hope, in the course of the autumn, to be able individually and personally to inquire thoroughly into the Register Office; and, as a matter of this kind should be passed with the full sanction of Scotland, and not against the wish of a portion of it, I propose to postpone the Bill until I have had an opportunity of making this investigation.
§ MR. BAXTERIs it proposed to go on with the Under Secretaries of State Bill this year?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSI think the House will be disposed to leave this Bill till after the investigation. I may state frankly, however, that my own views on the subject are entirely unchanged.