HL Deb 06 July 1937 vol 106 cc41-2

After Clause 5, line 7, at end insert the following new clause:

("Advisory Council.

—(1) There shall be constituted a Council to be called the Scottish Records Advisory Council, consisting of not more than twelve members, who shall be persons, or representatives of public bodies or societies, interested ill the public records of Scotland.

(2) The members of the aforesaid Council shall be appointed by the Secretary of State, shall hold office for three years from the date of their appointment, and shall be eligible for reappointment on expiry of that period: Provided that the Keeper shall be ex officio a member and chairman and convener of the Council.

(3) The aforesaid Council may submit proposals or make representations to the Secretary of State, the Lord justice General, or the Lord President on questions relating to the public records of Scotland, and in particular to the custody, preservation, indexing, and cataloguing of those records, and to facilities for access to and examination of them by members of the public.

(4) The Council may make rules regarding their procedure and may by such rules prescribe their quorum.")

LORD STRATHCONA AND MOUNT ROYAL

My Lords, this clause provides for the appointment by the Secretary of State of an Advisory Council of not more than twelve members interested in, or representing bodies interested in, the public records of Scotland. A strong desire has been expressed in certain quarters for the appointment of such a Council, which should afford machinery by which outside persons interested in public records might submit proposals and make representations on the subject to the Secretary of State, the Lord Justice General, and the Lord President. Provision is made in the clause for the Keeper to be ex officio Chairman and convener of the Advisory Council. I beg to move that this House cloth agree with the Commons in their Amendment.

Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said Amendment—(Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.