HC Deb 21 February 1899 vol 67 cc62-3
Mr. WEIR

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, having regard to the fact that many of the Lords of the Court of Session of Scotland hold extraordinary directorships in joint stock com- panics, and that one of these Lords acts as governor to an insurance company, will ho consider the expediency of suggesting to them the desirability of withdrawing their names from such directorships?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The directorships to which the honourable Member refers are, I think he must well know, of a purely honorary character, carrying no emoluments, involving no duties, and incurring no responsibility. Under these circumstances, even if the Executive Government had a right to interfere—which they have not—I do not see that there would be any ground for so doing.

MR. WEIR

Will the right honourable Gentleman answer the second part of the Question?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I believe the governorship referred to is of an equally honorary character, and known in Scotland as an extraordinary director.

MR. WEIR

A decoy director.