Lyon King-of-Arms

HC Deb 23 July 1957 vol 574 cc213-4

53. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the present functions of the office of Lord Lyon King-of-Arms.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Lyon King-of-Arms is Her Majesty's principal officer of arms in Scotland. His duties relate to the granting and recording of arms and the investigation and decision of a wide range of questions relating to heraldry, genealogy and precedence. He is concerned with royal and public ceremonial in Scotland and advises the Secretary of State on heraldic, ceremonial and cognate matters. He is also Secretary of the Order of the Thistle.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the seemingly important ceremonial duties of this officer, could the Minister say whether his salary is in keeping with the duties which he has to perform? Is he aware that according to reports this officer is beginning to interfere with local authorities? Does that come within his duties?

Mr. Macpherson

This is a part-time office and the salary attached to it is £1,200. Answering the second part of the question, on the matter which I think the hon. Member has in mind, I understand that the Lord Lyon is writing to the Convention of Royal Burghs.