HC Deb 20 July 1914 vol 65 cc16-7
26. Mr. PIRIE

asked whether the First Commissioner has consulted with any Scottish Members on the Holmes Report as regards the proposed changes in the Scottish Office of Works; if so, whom; and on what date.

Mr. BENN

Yes, Sir. The First Commissioner consulted informally with the hon. Member for East Edinburgh, who put a question. He was accompanied by the Chairman and Secretary of the Scottish Liberal Members' Committee.

Mr. PIRIE

Was a decision come to on the part of the Scottish Office of Works or of the English Office of Works to call a meeting?

Mr. BENN

No such decision was come to at any time.

Mr. HOGGE

Has the hon. Gentleman proposed a formal conference of Liberal and Unionist Members?

Mr. PIRIE

And Labour Members?

Mr. BENN

The Commissioners would be very glad to have the opinion of any Member representing a Scottish constituency.

Sir GEORGE YOUNGER

Are we to understand that Members of one side and not of the other were consulted?

Mr. BENN

I said that they were consulted informally, and I think properly, on certain matters.