HC Deb 07 November 1929 vol 231 cc1217-8
46. Sir PATRICK FORD

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give a day for the discussion of the problem of the relief of unemployment in Scotland as distinct from Wales and England?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

As was indicated in the Debate on the Supplementary Estimate for the office of the Lord Privy Seal, no distinction is being made between Scot land and any other part of Great Britain in dealing with this problem. I may also remind the hon. Member that the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland is closely associated with the Lord Privy Seal in this matter.

Sir P. FORD

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he remembers the distinction between Scotland and Wales, that, while Wales is a principality, Scot land is a kingdom equal with England?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think that probably that was part of the consideration that was in our minds when we associated the Under-Secretary of State with the Lord Privy Seal.

Sir WILLIAM MITCHELL-THOMSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the suggestion that the Report stage of this Estimate might be used for a Debate on Scotland?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have no control over that; it is a matter for hon. Members themselves.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the recent Debate on unemployment, only one or two Scottish Members had an opportunity of emphasising the position in Scotland?

Mr. SKELTON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the very appointment of the Under-Secretary is the cause of our anxiety to discover what work he has been doing in connection with Scotland?