HC Deb 20 January 1948 vol 446 cc14-5
21. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is yet in a position to make a statement on the administration of Scottish affairs.

25. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on the steps he proposes to take to secure a greater measure of Scottish control over Scottish affairs.

Mr. Woodburn

I hope to make a statement on this subject in the near future.

Mr. Willis

Will my right hon. Friend say when "the near future" is, as this has been the subject of deliberation for 18 months now?

Mr. Woodburn

About 10 days.

Mr. Charles Williams

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his administration in Scotland is as bad as the Government's administration in this country, which is most deplorable?

Sir W. Darling

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind consultations with the former Secretaries of State?

Mr. Woodburn

That raises constitutional difficulties in a non-Coalition Government.