HC Deb 29 June 1914 vol 64 cc33-4
60. Mr. JAMES HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Glasgow City Corporation unanimously agreed to a resolution calling upon the Government to introduce a Scottish Home Rule Bill forthwith; whether he is aware that this represents the corporate sense of over one-quarter of the population of Scotland; whether he is aware that the city council of Glasgow expresses the view of all shades of political opinion; and, in view of the continuous and almost unanimous expression of opinion by the great municipalities of Scotland, whether he can do nothing to allay the anxiety that exists regarding a definite pronouncement on this subject?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have seen what has appeared on this subject in the public Press, and I am not sure that my hon. Friend's citation is absolutely correct; but I fear I cannot add anything to what I have already stated with regard to the matter.

Mr. J. HOGGE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his colleague the Secretary for Scotland said that the Government were drafting a Bill to deal with Scottish Home Rule. Is that true?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am sure that every statement of my right hon. Friend is true.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that those electors who voted against Scottish Home Rule at the last contested Parliamentary election exceeded the combined Liberal vote in its favour in Orkney, Caithness, Wick—

Mr. SPEAKER

The Noble Lord will see that that is a question which it is impossible for the Prime Minister to answer without notice.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Then may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the largeness of the incorporate common-sense of Glasgow, he will "ca' canny" before he introduces such a measure?

Sir GEORGE YOUNGER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that politics do enter into the election of municipal councillors, and would not such councillors be going altogether beyond their province in dealing with matters of this kind?

The PRIME MINISTER'S

reply was inaudible in the Reporters' Gallery.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a large number of Unionist candidates in Scotland have pronounced in favour of Scottish Home Rule?