HC Deb 13 March 1956 vol 550 c207
32. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why Shetland is called Zetland in official documents.

Mr. J. N. Browne

The official title of the county was carefully considered in 1931 when in accordance with the wishes of the county council, it was decided to recognise and use the form "Zetland." Statutory authority for this form is now contained in the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1947.

Mr. Grimond

I am disposing of the rumour that it was due originally to bad hand-writing in the Scottish Office. It is all very confusing. There is the excellent Shetland wool and there are Shetland ponies, but Zetland County Council, and, as for the hon. Member for the constituency, I may say that he is in some doubt as to what his title is.