HC Deb 28 April 1914 vol 61 cc1511-2
26. Sir G. YOUNGER

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will consider the propriety of appointing a Committee to inquire into the working of the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act, 1899, with the view of ascertaining whether legislation is required to improve its procedure?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

So far as I am concerned I should see no objection to an inquiry into the working of the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act, if reasons can be adduced to justify that course. I do not think, however, that a Committee appointed by me would be a proper body to hold an inquiry in to matters of Parliamentary procedure which concern the two Houses, and any inquiry of the kind ought probably to be referred to a Joint and Select Committee of the two Houses. If the hon. Baronet will state the grounds on which inquiry is deemed to be desirable, the Government will consider whether steps should be taken with a view to a reference of the matter to a Joint Select Committee?

Mr. J. HOGGE

Would it not be very much easier to give Scotland Home Rule?