HC Deb 04 March 1968 vol 760 cc27-8
37. Mr. James Davidson

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will move to appoint a Select Committee on the Scottish Office with the same powers as those on the Ministry of Agriculture and on Science and Technology.

Mr. Crossman

I would refer my hon. Friend to the remarks I made on this subject during the debate on the Motion to set up the Select Committee on Education and Science on Thursday, 22nd February.—[Vol. 759, c. 789–94.]

Mr. Davidson

Might one not infer from that reply that the Scottish Office is above criticism, whereas the Ministries of Agriculture and of Science and Technology are not?

Mr. Crossman

Anyone who referred to what I said in the debate would know that what I suggested was that I had had requests both from Welsh Members and Scottish Members on the Government back benches—very urgent requests—to consider the possibility of specialist committees of this kind, and that I was prepared to consider the requests on their merits, bearing in mind the need to get sufficient hon. Members to man these committees.