§ MR. STEWARTasked the Prime Minister, Whether, in view of the dissatisfaction caused by the manner in which the Educational Endowments (Scotland) Bill had been dealt with, and the additional proof thereby afforded of the necessity which existed for securing the proper conduct of Scottish Business 721 in Parliament, he would consider the advisability of seizing the opportunity the present vacancy in the Cabinet offered to obtain that object by merging the sinecure office of the Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster in that of a Secretary of State for Scotland?
MR. GLADSTONEI trust my hon. Friend will not believe, from the unfavourable tenour of the answer I shall give to his inquiry, that I at all differ from him in regard to the preamble to the Question. I think the arrangements at present in force—if, in fact, any arrangement can be said to be in force—for the transaction of Scotch Business, which it seems to me is never transacted at all, are very unsatisfactory, and I deem it an imperative part of the duty of the Government, in the measures they have immediately in contemplation, to endeavour to make better provision for this purpose. I am not, however, prepared to engage the Government to the effect that the form or mode of that provision shall be the creation of a sixth Secretary of State.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked whether any special arrangement could be made, by means of a large Committee or otherwise, to insure the passing in the course of this Session of the Educational Endowments (Scotland) Bill?
MR. GLADSTONEsaid, he hoped that the Bill might proceed, and believed, if the hon. Gentleman would communicate with the Vice President of the Council, that he would find him ready to adopt any practical suggestion that might be made with this object.