§ 46. Mr. DUNCAN GRAHAMasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of a communication from the Convention of the Royal Burghs of Scotland with respect to the appointment of a Royal Commission to consider the question of Scottish self-government, and in view of the promise to the Scottish Labour Members of Parliament in 1929 that he would set up such a commission within two years from that date, he will now accede to the request made by the Convention of Royal Burghs to appoint a commission to inquire into the whole question of the relationship between the two countries?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)I am not satisfied that in view of the changed circumstances there is such a general desire in Scotland for an inquiry of this nature as would justify the setting up of a Royal Commission.
§ Mr. GRAHAMIs the Prime Minister not aware that the Convention of the Royal Burghs is a fully representative body, and that they have asked that a Royal Commission should be set up to inquire into the question, and in view of the fact that the Prime Minister himself gave a promise to the Scottish Members of Parliament will he not set up such an inquiry?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have to answer the question that my hon. Friend put, and the reply is that things have moved a little beyond the stage, we think, where an inquiry of this specific character by a Royal Commission would be necessary.
§ Mr. GRAHAMWhat does the Prime Minister mean by "things having moved" along a certain line?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe point must be perfectly apparent. The movement of Scottish opinion regarding what is called Scottish Home Rule has gone very much further than it was two or three years ago.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODAre we to understand now that the Prime Minister has again switched round to his old opinion that Scotland ought to get Home Rule?
§ Mr. McGOVERNDid the Prime Minister fail to note that at the recent by-election in East Fife every candidate was pledged to Home Rule for Scotland?