HC Deb 14 March 1950 vol 472 cc906-7
29. Sir William Darling

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he proposes to recall the Council of former Secretaries of State for Scotland to advise him in Scottish affairs.

Mr. McNeil

I regret I am not yet able to answer this Question.

Sir W. Darling

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider favourably the possibility of calling into his counsel the right hon. Ernest Brown, the right hon. Sir Archibald Sinclair, the right hon. Thomas Johnston, the right hon. Member for East Stirlingshire (Mr. Woodburn), and the right hon. and gallant Member for Kelvingrove (Lieut.-Colonel Elliot), who have all been Secretaries of State for Scotland, and who would be very valuable in advising him?,

Mr. McNeil

I am considering the subject most carefully, but not hastily.

Mr. M. MacMillan

Will the Secretary of State, as a very busy man, give us an assurance that he will not waste his time scouring the political museum for these rejects from the past?

Mr. Rankin

In considering this question, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that already in Scotland we have too many deans of guild and deacon convenors, without creating any more?

Sir H. Williams

On a point of Order. Is it in order to describe right hon. Gentlemen as museum exhibits?

Mr. Boothby

Will the right hon. Gentleman reflect on whether this Council of former Secretaries of State for Scotland was not always at best rather a silly stunt; and whether it would not be better to stick to the very excellent Council of Development which we have got at present?

Mr. McNeil

I will consider the opposing views which have been offered so vehemently.