HC Deb 10 March 1887 vol 311 c1749
MR. ANDERSON (Elgin and Nairn)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, When do the Government intend to introduce the measure, referred to in the Queen's Speech, relating to the Office of Secretary for Scotland; and, whether, having regard to the disadvantage to Members of this House in the transaction of Scotch Business owing to the Secretary for Scotland being a Peer, the Government will consider the advisability of introducing in their measure a provision that the Secretary for Scotland shall always be a Member of the House of Commons?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

As soon as the state of Public Business permits, a measure relating to the Secretary for Scotland's Department, referred to in Her Majesty's Speech, will be brought before Parliament; but I cannot give the undertaking which the hon. Gentleman asks from me, as it would be most inconvenient, and altogether unusual, to introduce such a provision into any Act of Parliament.