HC Deb 17 February 1959 vol 600 cc194-5
46. Mr. Rankin

asked the Prime Minister if he will move to extend the order of reference of the Select Committee on Procedure to enable it to consider particularly the desirability of increasing the extent to which Scottish business is conducted in Scotland.

The Prime Minister

I am doubtful whether it would be appropriate for the Select Committee to consider such wide proposals as the hon. Gentleman has in mind.

Mr. Rankin

In the light of that Answer, and bearing in mind his former answer to me, will the Prime Minister appreciate that the Scottish Labour Party has given great consideration to this problem and believes that there is a solution which can be achieved without violating the economic integrity of the United Kingdom or involving Parliamentary separation? Will the right hon. Gentleman again consider the advisability of referring the matter to a Speaker's Conference, as the Scottish Labour Party has suggested?

The Prime Minister

There are various methods. There was the Royal Commission, which the hon. Gentleman at one time suggested, which met some four years ago. The results of its work were very helpful. There have been other changes since then as regards the Scottish Grand Committee. I think that it would, perhaps, be well to see the report of the Select Committee on Procedure before reaching any further judgment.