§ 35. Sir P. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish Members of Parliament attended the conference which he recently convened in Edinburgh to consider Scottish questions; and whether it is proposed to develop this expression of Scottish national feeling by delegating to such a Scottish Parliamentary conference the discussion of Scottish-local matters which now come before the British Parliament, and thus increase the time available for urgent general subjects?
§ Mr. WestwoodMore than one-third of the Scottish Members of Parliament found themselves able to accept my right hon. Friend's invitation to visit St. Andrew's House, Edinburgh, during the Recess. The main purpose of the gathering was to give Members an opportunity of meeting the principal officers of the Scottish Departments. As my right hon. Friend indicated in reply to a Question on this subject by the hon. Member for Camlachie (Mr. Stephen) on 21st October, it would be impossible during the war, when the United Kingdom is fighting for its very existence, to propose legislation raising complex and, no doubt, controversial issues affecting the machinery of Parliamentary government.
§ Mr. McGovernCan the hon. Gentleman state whether, after the war, it is proposed to apply the Atlantic Charter to Scotland?
§ Mr. KirkwoodCan the Minister say when we are to have the next meeting in Edinburgh?