HC Deb 20 April 1931 vol 251 cc610-2
79. Mr. SCOTT

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Yarmouth Naval Hospital Bill was submitted to the General Board of Control for Scotland; whether that board approved of the Bill; and whether, if the board did not approve, he will state the grounds of the board's disapproval?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Ammon)

The Government takes full responsibility for the Bill which has been passed by this House. Before its introduction full consideration was given to criticisms and suggestions from Departments affected and the Scottish Office after the fullest discussion accepted the Bill.

Mr. SCOTT

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the question on the Paper—whether the Board of Control in Scotland was consulted about this matter and what advice the Board of Control gave?

Mr. AMMON

That obviously is a question to be put to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr. E. BROWN

Did not the hon. Gentleman state in the Debate on the Bill that the Board of Control had been consulted and had given advice? If that is not so, ought not the House to know and the report to be published for the information of Members?

Mr. AMMON

In that case I should have said, "The Scottish Office," but the greater includes the less.

Mr. SCOTT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on 27th March the Minister in charge of the Bill stated categorically that the Bill had been submitted to the Scottish Board of Control and that they were satisfied that in the Bill everything with which they were concerned was safeguarded? Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that or deny it?

Mr. AMMON

I have answered that I should have said, "The Scottish Office," but the greater includes the less.

Mr. BROWN

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware of the strong feeling in the House about the matter, and that it was only on his categorical assurance, In reply to a question put by me, that the opposition to the Bill was withdrawn?

Mr. AMMON

No, I am not aware that there was strong feeling in the House. It was expressed by one or two Members. As I have already said, I should have stated "The Scottish Office."

Mr. SCOTT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Board of Control is a separate organisation for Scotland, responsible to the Secretary of State for Scotland, and will he answer the question that I have put?

Mr. AMMON

The Board of Control is responsible to this House through the Scottish Office.

Mr. SCOTT

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm or deny that it was stated that the Bill had been submitted to the Scottish Board of Control and that they were satisfied?