§ 2. Major Manningham-Bullerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the functions and powers of the Council of State for Scotland which he has constituted.
Mr. JohnstonI am sending to my hon. and gallant Friend copies of my previous statements on the functions of the Advisory Council of ex-Secretaries at the Scottish Office. This council, which consists of members of all the major political parties in Scotland collaborates with me for the purpose of surveying the problems likely to arise in Scotland after the war and selecting suitable personnel to conduct such inquiries as are considered desirable.
§ Sir R. W. SmithIs this body at all representative of Scotland? There are three Liberals, one Socialist and only two Conservatives on it, although the Conservative party holds the largest number of seats in Scotland?
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister aware that there is no Communist on this Council?
§ Mr. BoothbyWhat particular merit is there in an ex-Secretary of State for Scotland?