HC Deb 19 December 1929 vol 233 cc1778-9

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn."—[Mr. T. Kennedy.]

Mr. BUCHANAN

I regret that I have not given notice to the Secretary of States for Scotland of my intention to raise the matter which I now wish to bring to his attention. I had intended raising the matter on the Adjournment next week, but it may not be convenient for him to come back for that purpose. Seeing him here to-night, I thought it best to raise the point now. It relates to a case in the Sheriff Court, about which I wrote to him four months ago. I have since written him a letter and have interviewed him and the Under-Secretary. I should like to know whether the Scottish Office has yet made up its mind on the matter, and if not when it is likely to make up its mind. I have put two questions in the House, and on each occasion I have received the answer that the question is under consideration. Is there any chance of a decision being made on this subject? It has caused a great deal of discussion in the West of Scotland. Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to adjust the matter. If so, what steps has he taken? Is a decision likely to be reached at an early date? If the right hon. Gentleman cannot give me an answer to-night I will postpone my question until the Adjournment next week.

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. William Adamson)

I have had no intimation that this question was going to be raised this evening, and consequently nothing has been done in the way of preparing a reply to the hon. Member. All I can say is that the matter has been engaging my attention for some time past and has been engaging my attention this evening, but I am not in a position to say what will eventuate. I am giving it close consideration and examination from all points of view, in the hope, if possible, of remedying the evil of which the hon. Member complains.

Mr. BU CHANAN

If I raise this matter next week, on Monday or Tuesday, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me a reply then? I know that I cannot expect a reply to-night, as I have given no intimation that I was going to raise the question.

Mr. ADAMSON

If the hon. Member cares to raise it then I shall be prepared to make whatever statement I am in a position to make.