HC Deb 09 July 1903 vol 125 cc156-7
MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether the Secretary for Scotland is aware that in Peebles-shire and elsewhere it has been the custom for clerks to the County Councils to act as election agents to Parliamentary candidates; and whether, seeing that this practice is not permitted in England, and that the officials in question are salaried out of the rates, he will consider the advisability of addressing a communication to the County Councils with a view to these officials being placed on the same footing as other public servants.

MR. SCOTT DICKSON

The Secretary for Scotland has no official information in regard to the custom referred to by the hon. Member. The County Councils are responsible for their clerks, whose salaries are paid out of the County rates, and the Secretary for Scotland cannot undertake to make any representation in the sense suggested.

MR. PIRIE

Will the Lord Advocate inquire into this particular case, and inform himself as to the accuracy of the Question?

MR. SCOTT DICKSON

Assuming its accuracy the Government have no power to intervene.

MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)

Will you consider the desirability of such appointments?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! That does not arise out of the Question.

MR. PIRIE

; Is it not the case that the House always objects—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. PIRIE

I will put another Question down.