§ 45. Mr. T. Johnstonasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the steady extension in the number and complexity of affairs requiring the supervision of Parliament, the growing congestion of business and the lack of time available for its adequate discussion, and the necessity of voting Estimates for large sums of public money without examination, he is prepared to move to set up a Select Committee of this House for the purpose of preparing plans for the devolution of such public business as can conveniently be controlled by separate Parliaments in the United Kingdom?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. JohnstonCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House any indication of the steps he proposes to take, if not the steps proposed in the question, to meet the difficulties which every hon. Member and every party in this House are experiencing?
§ The Prime MinisterI could not give a reply by way of an answer to a supplementary question.
§ Mr. JohnstonIf not a Select Committee, could not the right hon. Gentleman indicate what steps, if any, he proposes to take?
§ The Prime MinisterThe question on the Order Paper relates to the setting up of separate Parliaments in the United Kingdom.
Mr. DavidsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the state of affairs in the present Parliament completely debars Scottish Members from adequately discussing Scottish affairs?
§ The Prime MinisterThey find time to discuss not only Scottish affairs but English affairs, too.
§ Mr. MacquistenDoes the Prime Minister not realise that more Parliaments mean more legislation, and that the late Lord Salisbury wisely said, more legislation means more taxation and heavier burdens on the people.
§ Mr. GallacherAnd more money for the lawyers.