§ 20. Mr. GUYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make in quiries to ascertain if any of the Scottish national records are at present in the Public Record Office, London; and, if so, will he take immediate steps to have them returned to Scotland?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)There are in the Public Record Office several Scottish papers which were removed to London in 1291 and a number of volumes and Departmental papers affecting Scotland for periods from the l7th to the 19th century. I think that this question might well be raised when the contemplated arrangement of the Records in the Register House for which provision is now being made is further advanced.
§ Mr. GUYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these National records are being retained in England contrary to an express Treaty obligation?
§ Sir G. COLLINSNo, Sir.
§ Mr. McENTEEIs it proposed to make any charge for storage?
§ 21. Mr. GUYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, Since the appointment in September, 1928, of the keeper of the records and registers of Scotland, he has received from him, prior to July, 1932, any report or reports on the said records and registers; if so, whether such report or reports have been printed or otherwise published; and, if not, whether he will now arrange for their publication as a White Paper or otherwise?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThere is no statutory provision for periodical reports by the Keeper of the Registers and Records of Scotland; and while reports are made by the Keeper from time to time on matters of interest for the information of the Secretary of State I do not consider it necessary to arrange for their publication.
§ Sir G. COLLINSNo, the matters referred to in the report do not seem to be of sufficient public importance to justify their publication, but I shall be happy to show the report to the hon. Member.