HC Deb 16 October 1945 vol 414 cc914-6
44. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation at an early date providing for statutory monthly meetings of Scottish Members in Edinburgh to discuss with representatives of the Convention of Royal Burghs and the Association of County Councils urgent matters affecting the welfare of Scotland.

Mr. Buchanan

My right hon. Friend is in frequent consultation with the local authority associations in Scotland with whom he has no doubt Scottish Members are also in the closest touch. He is, of course, also very willing to meet Scottish Members either in company with local authority representatives or otherwise whenever this can be suitably arranged. He is not, however, aware of any general desire that these consultations should be put on any other than the present basis of co-operation.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that most of the Scottish Labour Members of Parliament have at one time or another given support to the idea of a Scottish Parliament, and that this proposal is only a step in that direction? In view of the difficulty of getting Scottish business discussed in this House, is it not desirable that we should set up a body in Edinburgh to discuss it?

Mr. Buchanan

This raises many issues with which it is difficult to deal at Question Time. Whatever may be said about the necessity, I am doubtful if this is the best method. I do not want anything to become a substitute for the House of Commons. I would be willing, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to look at any kind of new machinery suggested, but we need to examine it so that it does not become a substitute for the House of Commons.

Mr. Maxton

The hon. Gentleman said the Secretary of State would be available to Members in Edinburgh; would it be possible sometimes for the Secretary of State to be available in Glasgow?

Mr. Buchanan

As the hon. Gentleman knows, I am the only member of the Government who lives in Glasgow, and I will continue to live there. Since I have been in office, I have made a practice of meeting deputations from various bodies in that great city. I hope to continue to do that, and if at any time the hon. Gentleman and his colleagues wish to see me in the city, nobody will be more pleased than I.

Mr. Maxton

Will the hon. Gentleman realise that I am not asking him to continue the domestic hospitality which is always open to me? I am asking him to make arrangements for some meetings of Scottish Members to take place in Glasgow.

Mr. Buchanan

I recognise that sometimes meetings are better held in Glasgow. All I am anxious about is to make a convenient place and time to suit all the Scottish Members, and if there is a feeling that occasionally a meeting should be held in Glasgow as against Edinburgh, nobody will be better pleased than I.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the unsatisfactory answer, I will raise this question at an early opportunity on the Adjournment.