§ Major WARINGasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Secretary of the King's Roll National Council threatens to publish a statement 2385W to the effect that the Burgh of Coldstream has failed to qualify for inclusion in the Roll; that the burgh employs in all six men: the town clerk, depute town clerk, burgh officer, and three scavengers; and that of these the town clerk is an ex-service man, the depute is in receipt of a disability pension, the burgh officer served as a volunteer in the South African War, and one of the scavengers is an ex-service man, while the other two have been in the burgh's service for many years; and whether, in these circumstances, he will take steps to protect the Burgh of Coldstream from misrepresentation?
§ Sir M. BARLOWThe hon. and gallant Member appears to be under a misapprehension. The King's Roll National Council has issued no such threat. I have been repeatedly pressed in this House to publish a list of local, authorities not on the King's Roll. I referred the matter to the National Council, who decided that, before they could make a recommendation to me, they must make a final appeal to all local authorities. The present protest arises out of this appeal, which naturally made reference to the suggestion of a "black list," but without in any way expressing an opinion as to its advisability. I am glad to be able to say that on examination the Coldstream authority would appear to be eligible for enrolment, and have been so informed.