HL Deb 31 January 1951 vol 170 c78

2.40 p.m.

LORD CALVERLEY

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many policemen have been employed trying to find the Scone Stone, and what is the approximate cost to the taxpayer.]

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, inquiries connected with the search for the Scone Stone have been spread over a number of police forces and have largely been undertaken in conjunction with normal police duties. In the circumstances, I regret that it is not possible to assess the cost of these inquiries to the taxpayer or to distinguish the number of policemen involved.

LORD CALVERLEY

My Lords, is it not a fact that a considerable sum of money is being spent and that many policemen are being occupied in this search? Will His Majesty's Government consider offering an amnesty to the thieves and making a present of the Stone to the University of Glasgow, for the Lord Rector to sit on it?