HC Deb 30 July 1912 vol 41 cc1854-5
79. Viscount WOLMER

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he intends in future to be present in this House when matters concerning Scotland and of which he has received notice will be under discussion?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

Certainly.

Viscount WOLMER

Can the Secretary for Scotland explain why he was not in the House when the question of the Scotch Estimates was raised on the Adjournment last Thursday?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

As I informed my hen. Friends who have spoken to me on 'this subject, that it is a matter beyond my jurisdiction and control; an answer was given by the Prime Minister on the same afternoon on the same subject.

Mr. PIRIE

Is it not the case that when my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, who had given notice, spoke on the Adjournment, the right hon. Gentleman was in the Lobby sniggering and laughing? Will he answer that?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Yes. My answer is in the negative.

Mr. PIRIE

Was the right hon. Gentleman not in the Lobby at the time? There is plenty of evidence to show that that was the case. He is not leading the Progressive party on the London County Council. He had better mend his manners.

Mr. MUNRO-FERGUSON

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that only four and a quarter hours have been available for the discussion of the whole of the Scottish Estimates, when only one Vote was completed, he will give an undertaking that on the Report stage to-morrow the Scottish Estimates will be taken at an hour when it is possible for them to be considered by the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am sorry I did not receive notice of this question, but I will consider it.