HC Deb 30 July 1957 vol 574 cc1048-9
23. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will appoint a committee to examine and report upon the powers and functions of the Lord Lyon King of Arms with a view to bringing them into conformity with present day conditions.

Mr. Maclay

No, Sir. I do not think that a committee for this purpose is called for.

Mr. Willis

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of concern felt at some of the activities of this gentleman during recent months, particularly regarding local authorities? Would he not look at this matter and try to bring the office and its practice into line with modern thought?

Mr. Maclay

The powers and functions of Lyon are of great antiquity, and on the matters with which he deals I think there is general agreement that modernisation would not necessarily be an improvement. There is a later Question on the Order Paper dealing with the point raised by the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Ross

Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the danger of leaving this matter as it stands? We shall have Lord Lyon King of Arms coming out with an instruction as to what people should wear in court.