§ THE EARL OF LAUDERDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their intention regarding the 144 further use of the Prince's Seal on legal deeds within the Principality of Scotland in view of its continued and honoured use for more than five centuries.]
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (LORD WILSON OF LANGSIDE)My Lords, the provision of the Prince's Seal for use on legal deeds within the Principality is a matter for His Royal Highness Prince Charles to decide upon. It would accordingly not be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to form any intention in this regard. I am, however, authorised to say that His Royal Highness is quite agreeable to providing the Seal when required.
§ THE EARL OF LAUDERDALEMy Lords, in thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I ask him whether, as a matter of law, vassals have the right, as Lord Dunedin affirmed, to have their titles renewed by the Superior, and that by the Titles to Land Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1868 those within the Principality who are entitled to have their Writ confirmed can have it confirmed by Seal if they wish?
§ LORD WILSON OF LANGSIDEMy Lords, I can say that the noble Earl has correctly stated the law.
§ LORD FERRIERMy Lords, may I ask, with due respect, whether the noble Lord would agree that this is a matter which is regarded as of some importance by a number of people in Scotland?
§ LORD WILSON OF LANGSIDEI quite agree, my Lords.
§ THE EARL OF LAUDERDALEMy Lords, would the noble Lord also bear in mind—and no doubt, through him, the thought can be passed on—that the Prince's Seal is largely symbolic of the continuance of the Prince's regular establishment in Scotland, dating from certainly before 1603. if not before 1479, and that its continuance will be much appreciated by the people of Scotland?
§ LORD WILSON OF LANGSIDEMy Lords, I quite appreciate all that and will keep it all in mind. More important, I understand—and I have been authorised to say—that His Royal Highness is also aware of these feelings.