§ 34. Mr. Sloan (for Mr. Stephen)asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider introducing legislation to provide for statutory meetings of Scottish Members of Parliament in Scotland with powers of legislation for Scottish affairs, including control of finance, or, if not, in view of the inadequate time for the discussion of Scottish government in the Imperial Parliament, what steps he proposes to take to remedy the present position of affairs?
Mr. JohnstonMy own views upon the desirability of more adequate time being found for the discussion of Scottish affairs are well known, but I am persuaded that it is not possible during the grave perils and anxieties of the war emergency to raise great constitutional issues such as are indicated in the hon. Member's Question. I hope, however, that it may be found possible to secure more time for the discussion of the Scottish Estimates next year than we had allotted to us in 1941.
§ Mr. GallacherCan the Minister give any reason why we should not have a meeting of the Scottish Grand Committee at St. Andrew's House next week in order to discuss the very urgent matters that confront the Scottish people, particularly infant mortality and tuberculosis?
Mr. JohnstonNo question that involves legislation can be dealt with at this moment; and I am advised that the suggestion would involve legislation.
§ Mr. GallacherIt would not involve legislation if we discussed means for dealing with infant mortality and tuberculosis. Cannot we have a meeting next week? If not, why not?
Mr. JohnstonIt is the summoning of the meeting at St. Andrew's House that would require legislation.