§ MR. CROMBIEI beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the advertisement of a meeting of the Inverness Liberal Unionist Association, to be held at Inverness tonight, at which Sir Henry C. Macandrew is announced to speak; whether Sir Henry C. Macandrew is Sheriff Clerk of Inverness; and whether it is admissible for such an official to interfere in Party politics?
§ MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)May I ask whether, considering that all these meetings wind up with singing "God Save the Queen," the right hon. Gentleman intends to censure Government officials who protest against the dismemberment of the Empire?
§ MR. J. B. BALFOURI have no information on the point. In reply to the question on the Paper, I have to say that an advertisement of the nature indicated in the question has been shown to me. Sir Henry C. Macandrew is Sheriff Clerk of Inverness-shire. Having regard to the important duties which Sheriff Clerks have to perform in connection with Parliamentary elections, I think it better that they should not take part in political meetings—at all events, within their counties. The considerations which my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland mentioned on 10th February, in giving an answer with respect to Sheriffs, appear to me also to apply to Sheriff Clerks.