§ 47. Mr. Gallacherasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Scottish Trades Union Congress has declared its intention of opposing conscription by all means in its power; that it has called on all its representatives to withdraw from National Service committees; and, in view of the opposition this represents, will he consider excluding Scotland from the operations of the conscription Bill?
§ Sir J. SimonThe Prime Minister is aware of the resolution adopted by the Scottish Trades Union Congress before the Military Training Bill was introduced, but he cannot regard it as being of greater weight than the considered decision of this House with regard to the inclusion of Scotland in the Military Training Bill.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister not aware that this resolution was passed last Sunday, and is he of opinion that the Military Training Bill was introduced since last Sunday? May I further ask whether he is not aware that the Scottish people would give a response such as would shatter the dictators if there were a Government they could trust?
§ Sir J. SimonThe resolution which I have before me is one dated 26th April and it begins by saying that the Congress is apprehensive of the statement about to be made by the Prime Minister that afternoon; but, be that as it may, I venture to think that if the Military Training Bill applied only to England it would not truly represent the position and that Scotland would not wish to be excluded.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the Minister give some consideration to the resolution which was passed last Sunday by the Scottish Trades Union Congress and their decision to withdraw their representatives from National Service committees?