§ Mr. LAMONTasked the Lord Advocate whether he was aware that, at the recent meeting of the Convention of the Royal Burghs of Scotland, a resolution was unanimously passed desiring that the Scottish office should be represented at future meetings of the Convention; and whether, in view of the mutual advantage to be anticipated therefrom, he would take steps to give effect to this resolution?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)The proceedings of the Convention are always followed with attention by the Scottish Office, and its recommendations receive careful consideration. My Noble Friend the Secretary for Scotland is not satisfied that the course now suggested by the Convention would secure any further advantage, and he fears it might lead to some misconception as to the relations between the Scottish Office and the Convention, and possibly to similar claims being pressed by other non-official organisations.
§ Mr. WATTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Scottish Office has got out of touch with public opinion in Scotland? This proposal might be the means of bringing them together again.