HC Deb 23 February 1954 vol 524 cc202-3
45. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the need for hon. Members to be advised adequately and competently on questions relating to Scotland, he will now recommend the appointment of a Solicitor-General for Scotland who is a Member of Parliament.

The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)

I am not aware that the House is inadequately or incompetently advised on questions relating to Scotland or that debates in this sphere are unduly curtailed. As I told the hon. Member last year, we have a wealth of precedents on our side; I shall, however, be glad to consider any suggestions that the hon. Member may care to make for providing the Solicitor-General for Scotland with a seat.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware that a very complicated Housing (Repairs and Rents) Bill is before the Scottish Grand Committee and that last week there was no legal adviser there at all to advise us? Can he give us an assurance that if this goes on the Lord Advocate is not going to be guillotined?

The Prime Minister

I understand that the Committee is making very good progress in spite of this deficiency.