§ Q.2. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister when he proposes to announce the name of the new Under-Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ The Prime MinisterShortly, Sir.
§ Mr. HughesWhy is the Prime Minister so slow and dilatory in this matter? Is he aware that the problems in Scotland have never been as difficult as they are today, that we now need three Ministers in the House and that this Under-Secretary is very badly needed for dealing with administrative problems? Can it be that there is a difficulty in finding a new Under-Secretary of State for Scotland because of the shabby way in which he treated the last one?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The field is quite large. Since I understand that the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) now sits as an independent Member, he might himself be eligible.
§ Mr. HughesOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply—[Laughter.]