HC Deb 19 February 1914 vol 58 cc1147-8W
Sir JOHN DEWAR

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he declines to refer the claim of Lord Macdonald to the ancient Macdonald baronetcy to the Committee of the Privy Council especially appointed to hear and determine such claims; and, in view of the fact that Lord Macdonald claims the baronetcy in pursuance of a decision confirmed by Act of Parliament and assented to by all interested parties over a prolonged period, whether there is any appeal against his decision?

Mr. McKENNA

The right of the present holder to the baronetcy was established by the decision of the Court of Session on the 4th June, 1910; and, in view of this decision, and acting on the advice of the Lord Advocate, I refused to refer Lord Macdonald's claim to the Committee of the Privy Council. If the Act of Parliament referred to by my hon. Friend is the Act 10 and 11, Vic. c. 29, which relates to the disposal of estates, that Act appears to have no bearing on the question of the baronetcy. I am not aware that there is any appeal from my decision.