§ MR. M'LARENasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether his attention has been called to the Return, No. 223, of this Session, from which it appears that, as regards the present population of Scotland, it ought to have ten additional Members, as compared with the present population of England and Ireland respectively; and that, if the revenue derived from taxation were made the basis of representation, Scotland ought to have eighteen additional Members as compared with the revenue derived from taxation in England and Ireland respectively; and, whether, in distributing the vacant seats, he will take into consideration the just claims of Scotland to obtain additional Members?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, my attention has been continually drawn to the circumstances of Scotland by the Returns which were moved for by the hon. Gentleman. Undoubtedly, I have seen the Return to which he refers. I can only say, in regard to the second part of the Question, that whenever the time comes for distributing the vacant seats the just claims of Scotland, as of all other parts of the Kingdom, will be duly considered. I hardly think, however, that the changes proposed will be of the revolutionary character glanced at by the hon. Gentleman.