§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received representations from the burghs of Motherwell, Wishaw, Hamilton, Coatbridge, and Airlrie protesting against the Order made fixing Glasgow as the place of election 2319W for the new county divisions of Lanarkshire, of which these burghs form the centres of population; and whether, in view of the fact that the county divisions in question are almost entirely burghal in character, and that inconvenience, expense, and delay will be caused by taking the ballot-boxes to Glasgow, counting the votes, and declaring the polls there, he will cancel the Order made so far as relating to the county divisions referred to and constitute the burghs of Mother-well, Hamilton, and Airdrie, respectively, the places of election for these divisions for the purposes of the Representation of the People Act?
§ Mr. MUNROI have received the representations referred to, and have carefully considered them in consultation with the Sheriff of Lanarkshire, as returning officer for the Lanarkshire constituencies. I am satisfied, however, that in the present abnormal circumstances it is advisable to adhere to past practice, under which Glasgow was the place of election for the county divisions. I am advised that, on grounds of convenience and expedition, this arrangement is much preferable from the point of view of the returning officer. I have, however, every sympathy with local sentiment in this matter, and it may be possible to make a different arrangement when circumstances change. I have already replied in this sense to the representations I have received.