56. Sir HENRY DALZIELasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is a general desire among Scottish 561 representatives that the post of Secretary for Scotland should be raised to the status of a Secretaryship of State and that the salary attached thereto should be increased to the level of such secretaryship; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes, Sir. I believe also that the view of the Scottish Members represents the general feeling in Scotland, but I do not think that it would be possible to make the suggested change in this office without dealing, at the same time, with some other Cabinet offices, and the Government cannot see their way, at present, to introduce legislation on this subject.
Sir H. DALZIELWill the right hon. Gentleman consent to the appointment of a Committee of unofficial Members to consider the whole question of Ministerial salaries in relation to Scotland?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf I thought there was any general feeling in the House in favour of that course, I should be glad to adopt it, but I do not think there is.
§ Captain REDMONDIs it the view of Scottish Members generally that an Englishman should be appointed Secretary for Scotland?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have not heard that view expressed.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYIs there any reason why this matter should not be dealt with separately in a short Bill which could easily go through?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy hon. and gallant Friend is a Scottish Member. He is very sanguine, but he does not show in this the usual caution of his race.
§ Sir H. CRAIKWould it not be possible to prevent these serious discrepancies between the salaries of various Ministers by reverting to the pooling system?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy right hon. Friend will, no doubt, be aware that when the pooling system was in force, it was subjected to a good deal of criticism.