HC Deb 19 July 1956 vol 556 cc1385-6
47. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the continued need for economy, he will reduce the number of Ministers and Law Officers dealing with Scottish affairs.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is Scotland in such mortal peril that seven Ministers are required on the job, two more than there are at the Commonwealth Relations Office and the Colonial Office combined? Would it not be in the public interest to have a little slashing here, at all events?

The Prime Minister

As a result of the recommendations of the Royal Commission, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman perhaps knows, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has been given a lot of extra duties lately, including responsibility for roads, electricity, animal health, food, and even, I am told, bridges.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware that Members who sit for Scottish constituencies are well able to look after the interests of Scotland without the intervention of English Members?

The Prime Minister

Even if hon. Gentlemen opposite have difficulty in agreeing about their questions, fortunately the Government are agreed about their answers.