§ MR. MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been directed to an article in the "Scotsman," dated 27th of May, which throws serious doubts on the truthfulness of a Return recently presented to this House, entitled "Communicants of the Church of Scotland;" and, whether, considering the gravity of the charge contained in the article, the Government will appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the truth or falsity of the figures returned as correct; and, at the same time, confer on the Commission power to purge the roll of any congregation, if it think it necessary, so as to arrive at a true statement of the real number of bonâ fide members?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. WATSON)We have no reason whatever to 1703 doubt the genuineness of the Returns laid on the Table of the House, and, therefore, it is not proposed to enter into any such inquiry.