Scone

HC Deb 27 April 1977 vol 930 cc1218-9

14. Mr. Crawford

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will visit Scone.

Mr. Gregor MacKenzie

My right hon. Friend has, at present, no plans to do so.

Mr. Crawford

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be a happy and symbolic gesture in this Jubilee Year if the Stone of Scone were restored to Scotland, where it rightly belongs?

Mr. MacKenzie

I am not sure who is responsible for that in this Government, but it is certainly not me.

Mr. Buchan

My hon. Friend will know that there is some divide as to whether the proper stone was ever returned— For if ever he comes on a stone wi' a ring He can sit himsel' doon and appoint himsel' King, For there's none would be able to challenge his claim That he'd crooned himsel' King on the Destiny Stone.

Mr. MacKenzie

I appreciate the point that my hon. Friend makes. If my right hon. Friend, or any of my ministerial colleagues, has an opportunity of venturing into this part of Perthshire, I suspect that the people in the area will be much more concerned about other issues.