§ 45. Mr. Malcolm MacPhersonasked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that there has not been a second Scottish Law Officer in this House for some time, whether he will now discontinue the appointment of Solicitor-General for Scotland, or alter its status from a political to an official appointment.
§ The Prime MinisterDuring the last quarter of a century there have been many cases in which the Scottish Law Officers were not Members of the House of Commons, and also cases in which they did not belong to the political party in power. The present custom seems to be conveniently flexible. To abolish the office of Solicitor-General for Scotland would require legislation and Her Majesty's Government have no intention of so doing.
§ Mr. MacPhersonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the 45 million people of England and Wales manage somehow to struggle along with only two Law Officers, and that whatever needs Scotland may have, one of her needs is 1449 not to have two Law Officers? At the moment, it is entirely out of proportion.
§ The Prime MinisterI gave much attention and thought to the answer which I have just given, and I fear that I should hardly be keeping up to the level which is required if I now tried to improvise.
§ Major Anstruther-GrayWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that Scotland very much appreciates the fact that she has two Law Officers?