§ Mr. PIRIEasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the proceedings on the discussion of the Scottish Estimates for this year, and to the fact that on the annual vote for the Salary of the Secretary for Scotland none of the matters affecting the sixteen Departments of which he is the chief were permitted to be discussed; that this procedure is now becoming an annual one; and whether, in view of there being no other opportunity of reviewing these questions, it is the intention of the Government to grant another day for these Estimates, or if he can hold out any hope of an end being shortly put to such indifference to and neglect of Scottish affairs by this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that on the discussion of the salary of the Secretary for Scotland several Members attempted to discuss matters connected with some of the Departments, and were called to order, because, in the opinion of the Chairman, the proper time for discussing these was on the Estimate for each Department. The Votes were put on the Paper in the order requested by the Scottish Members. I will endeavour to allot another day for Scottish Estimates, and, if this is possible, the Patronage Secretary will consult the various Whips in the usual manner. But I must ask my hon. Friend not to take this as a specific pledge.
§ Mr. PIRIEWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that it is impossible to discuss matters connected with many of those Departments for which the Secretary for Scotland is responsible, and some of which have not been discussed for ten or fifteen years, owing to the fact that only one day in the year is allowed for the Scottish Estimates?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have said I Will endeavour to give another day.
§ Mr. PIRIEYes; but when the salary of the Secretary for Scotland is discussed is it not natural that Members should try to raise a discussion on matters connected with departments for which the Secretary for Scotland is directly responsible? Further, is it not a fact that last year greater latitude was promised to the Scottish Members in view of the circumstances under which the Scottish Estimates were discussed?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Member appears to be reflecting on the ruling of the Chair.