HC Deb 05 February 1969 vol 777 cc391-2
21. Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what machinery his Department will submit evidence to the proposed Commission on the Constitution and to its sub-committee on Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ross

It is customary for bodies of this kind to receive written and oral evidence from the Departments concerned, and I shall be ready to assist the Commission in any way I can.

Mr. Campbell

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect to receive a request from the Commission before the end of this year? If so, will he be in a position by then to provide evidence?

Mr. Ross

I do not know when the Commission will invite such evidence. When it does, we shall be ready to provide it.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Will the Commission be in a position to compare public expenditure per 1,000 of the population in Scotland with public expenditure in the North-West of England? Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of the English regions would like public expenditure on the level which has been achieved in Scotland? Do we need a Constitutional Commission for the Northwest?

Mr. Ross

I think that it is quite sufficient to be Secretary of State for Scotland, without taking on responsibilities for the North-West. I am conscious of the fact that there are many regions in England who consider themselves very much neglected compared with expenditures and achievements by the Government in the direction of Scotland.

Mrs. Ewing

Will the Secretary of State assure the House that, whatever machinery is adopted, the evidence will be heard in public?

Mr. Ross

The conduct of its affairs is a matter for the Commission to determine.

Mr. Maclennan

In view of the squabbling self-contradictions in the Scottish National Party, even on its own constitution, will the machinery established allow the Commission to treat with due reserve any evidence alleged to represent the official policy of the Scottish National Party towards the United Kingdom Constitution?

Mr. Ross

I think that the quality of the members of the Commission will be such that they will be able to sift and assess the importance of any evidence given to them.