HC Deb 22 January 1963 vol 670 cc30-1
Q1. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a Lord Advocate from the Members of the House of Lords.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

I will bear the hon. and learned Member's suggestion in mind when next the Office falls vacant.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the Prime Minister realise that the absence from either House of Parliament of the customary and traditional Law Officer for Scotland deprives the people of Scotland of much-needed law reforms authoritatively recommended by such bodies as the Mackintosh Committee and by the legal profession in Scotland? Is he aware that this breach of public duty is much resented by the people of Scotland and that it will encourage them to deprive the right hon. Gentleman of the opportunity to bring a Scottish lawyer into this House? Will the right hon. Gentleman say What steps he is taking to right these wrongs which have been inflicted on Scotland?

The Prime Minister

This is, of course, an inconvenience, but it has happened before.