HC Deb 12 May 1924 vol 173 cc888-90
25. Mr. STURROCK

asked the Prime Minister whether he is taking steps to secure the election to this House of at least one of the two Scottish Law Officers?

Sir H. CRAIK

On a point of Order. May I, Mr. Speaker, call you attention to the phraseology of the question, which seems to imply that the representation of constituencies in this matter is a thing which may be secured in the direction of preference to Ministers?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not take responsibility for the implication.

Sir H. CRAIK

On a point of Order. Ought such a question to be put down?

Mr. SPEAKER

It would be imposing too severe a task upon me to censor questions in that way.

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. Clynes)

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. STURROCK

In view of the vacancy in the Kelvingrove Division of Glasgow, has any effort been made to nominate one of the Scottish Law Officers?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

In the meantime, are these gentlemen drawing full trade union wages?

Mr. CLYNES

I understand the work is being done, and, therefore, the proper rate of wages is being paid. The reply to the first supplementary question is in the negative.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

Have the Government no generous followers in Scotland who would gladly surrender their seats, and whose departure they would have the fortitude to survive?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question, I am afraid, is meant to be sarcastic.

28. Captain TUDOR REES

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to fix a limit of time within which Ministers at present without seats in this House must either be returned as Members or vacate their respective offices?

Mr. CLYNES

No such time limit could be imposed without legislation, which the Government at present do not propose to bring before the House.

Sir K. WOOD

Is it intended to continue the full remuneration of Minister, whether or not they are able to attend the House; do not the salaries include their attendance?

Mr. REMER

Has not the House—and the work in Committee A—suffered severely from the absence of the Attorney-General, and is it not vitally necessary that the Solicitor-General should be found a seat in the House?