§ 54. Mr. PIRIEasked the right hon. Gentleman whether, at the time when the underground telegraph line was projected between Exeter and Penzance, he or his predecessors made any representations to the Post Office that a similar line should be constructed between Edinburgh and Aberdeen; and whether since then any notice has been taken in his office or representations made by him to the Postmaster-General as to the frequent breakdown of telegraphic communications in the North-East of Scotland and the consequent great financial losses incurred by Scottish interests?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI am unable to say what representations, if any, my predecessor may have made at the time referred to; on the recent occasion the representations were made, and were properly made, directly to my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General.
§ Mr. PIRIEHas not the right hon. Gentleman taken the trouble to find out what representations, if any, his predecessors made before answering a question of this sort?
§ Mr. PIRIEThe right hon. Gentleman has a false idea of his duties. Does he not consider it part of his duty to endeavour, as Secretary for Scotland, to obtain for Scotland a fair apportionment of the money devoted to national development?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI do not consider it part of my duty to do work which falls within the province of my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General. Hon. Members in this House on the present occasion have taken the proper course. They have made their representations to my right hon. Friend, and that is the course which is indicated by all Parliamentary practice.
§ Mr. PIRIEWhen I get more information I shall move the Adjournment of the House in order to call attention to the Secretary for Scotland's wrong idea of what his duties are.