HC Deb 20 January 1959 vol 598 cc27-9
48. Mr. Rankin

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the increasing need for maximum self-government in Scotland; and whether he will consider the appointment of a Speaker's Conference, or similar committee, responsible to Parliament, to consider this matter.

The Prime Minister

The Royal Commission on Scottish Affairs reported as recently as July, 1954, and I am not aware of any need for a further inquiry into this matter.

Mr. Rankin

Surely, the Prime Minister is aware that the terms of reference of the Royal Commission prevented its considering the points that are raised here. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these matters were raised at a special conference of the Scottish Labour Party last September, and that their feeling was that owing to the increasing pressure of international and United Kingdom matters on the time of the House, Scottish affairs are not receiving the attention that they deserve? Will not the Prime Minister consider such an approach to the problem as is suggested in the Question?

The Prime Minister

A great deal has been done following the Report of the Royal Commission and by the present Government. The offices of the Ministers have been increased specially for Scotland. There has been the transfer of electricity, highways, justices of the peace and animal health following the recommendations of the Commission. It was fairly recently that the new operation of the Scottish Grand Committee was agreed upon and the Standing Orders were revised only a year ago. While I am quite sure that everything should be done to get full discussion of Scottish questions in the Scottish Grand Committee and elsewhere, I would not have thought the House as a whole was dissatisfied with these new arrangements.

Sir J. Hutchison

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the people of Scotland are, in general terms, perfectly satisfied with the way things are going?

Mr. Woodburn

Further to my hon. Friend's supplementary question, will the Prime Minister consider whether the Committee which is now considering the arrangements for the business of the House might not consider whether there could not be a considerable devolution of the detailed business of English, Scottish and Welsh Questions to Committees such as the Scottish Grand Committee, thus relieving the pressure upon the House for the proper consideration of bigger international issues?

The Prime Minister

It is the Committee on Procedure to which the right hon. Gentleman refers. I have no doubt that its Chairman and members will note what he has said.

Mr. Speaker

rose—

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. Is it in order to have such a Committee, on which there is no Scottish representative other than the Chairman, considering—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is not a point of order.