§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what action he proposed to take in bringing about the one day rest in seven for Scottish policemen, in view of the promise given when the English measure passed into law?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)My hon. Friend's reference appears to be to what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department said in this House on 27th April of last year, that he would be very glad to give his support to such a measure if it were put forward and really supported by the mass of Scottish opinion as represented by Scotland's elected representatives. As my hon. Friend, however, is doubtless aware, there has been a development of opposition to the Bill on the part of Scottish police authorities, based partly on its drafting, but mainly upon the increased burden which it would impose on the ratepayers without any corresponding increase in the central contribution to the cost of the police such as the English local grant system provides.
§ Mr. REMNANTAre not the clerical mistakes in the Bill such as could easily be remedied in Committee? And is it not a fact that the opposition to the measure is so small that last night we could have passed the Second Reading had it not been for a single Member? Under these circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister whether some short period could not be devoted to pass- 617 ing the Bill through Second Reading, seeing that it is supported in all parts of the House?
§ Mr. UREThe mistakes in drafting could be remedied in Committee, but they are serious. For instance, the Bill refers to county boroughs, of which there are none in Scotland. In the present state of public opinion in Scotland it is impossible for me to give any undertaking with regard to the Bill.
Sir H. DALZIELCan the right hon. Gentleman give the name of a single Scottish Member who is opposed to the Bill?
§ Mr. REMNANTAre we to understand from what the right hon. Gentleman has said that the Government will not block the Bill?