§ GENERAL SIR GEORGE BALFOUR (Kincardine)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If, with a view to improving the efficient working of the Scottish Secretariat, he will, in the Bill now under preparation, provide for the Scottish Secretary being a member of the Cabinet, also for a Parliamentary Under Secretary for the Office of Lord Advocate being discontinued as a political Office, for the abolition of the Office of Scottish Solicitor General, for the abolition of the Fishery Department as a Board, and its removal to London, under a single Head, with power to consult individuals and bodies on fishery affairs?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)The great Parliamentary experience of the hon. and gallant Gentleman must, I am sure, satisfy him that it would be altogether unprecedented for any statement to be made as to the provisions of a measure which is now under the consideration of the Cabinet; and I am, therefore, quite unable to give him any answer to his numerous Questions. But it must not be inferred from my silence that I acquiesce in the views expressed by the hon. and gallant Gentleman.