§ 33. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to continue the vacancy in the office of Deputy-Clerk Register in Scotland which has continued since 1919; whether his attention has been called to the neglect with which the public records of Scotland have been recently treated; and whether the Government propose to proceed with legislation which would transfer the whole control of the Scottish Register House to London?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Adamson)I have been asked to reply. It is proposed to discontinue the office referred to in view of the fact that most of the duties performed by previous holders have been assigned by legislation to a new statutory officer. I am aware that complaints of the nature referred to in the second part of the question have been made, but I am satisfied that the present work of the Record Office is being efficiently performed. I recognise that an expansion of the work of that office is highly desirable, and the Measure which the Government has introduced in another place will, it is believed, assist in promoting that end. If the last part of the right hon. Member's question is intended to refer to that Measure, I must point out that the seggestion made fails to recognise that the Secretary for Scotland is already, and has always been, responsible for the control of the Register House, and that any powers or duties at present vested in the Court of Session are expressly saved by the Bill.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs the Prime Minister aware that there are very distinct peculiarities with regard to registration in Scotland, that the keeping of the records has been suspended for the last few years, and that their suspension has caused grave inconvenience; and will he see that there is an opportunity for distinctive administration being preserved?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that the Scottish Office has safeguarded all those cases in making its proposed rearrangement.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the letters in regard to the registers and the records in 22 Scotland addressed to the Scottish Office at Dover House obtain nothing but an acknowledgment, and that no further reply of any sort is received?
§ Mr. T. JOHNSTONCan we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman who asks these questions that he will now withdraw his opposition to Home Rule for Scotland?
§ Sir H. CRAIKIt does not need Home Rule to protect Scottish rights.
§ Sir GEORGE BERRYWill any arrangement that is now proposed in any way curtail the facilities for research work in Edinburgh to students of Scottish history?
Mr. ADAMSONI am of the opinion that the Bill which is under consideration in another place will increase the facilities for such research work.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWill the Prime Minister see to it personally that Scottish interests in this connection, as suggested by my right bon. Friend, will be safeguarded?
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it not plain from the answers of the Secretary for Scotland that he is really ignorant of the whole of the circumstances of the case, and will the Prime Minister himself investigate the matter?
§ Mr. STURROCKIs there any intention on the part of the Scottish Office to transfer the Scottish Register Office to London?
§ Sir H. CRAIKTell us!