§ Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider the appointment of a committee of inquiry regarding the most suitable form of Government for Scotland after the war, with a view to a more efficient use of its land and industry and the raising of the standard of living of the people which would be possible under Home Rule.
Mr. JohnstonA more efficient use of land and industry in Scotland and the raising of the standard of living of the people, are major aims of the Government's planning activities, and committees of inquiry have already had or have under examination a number of specific proposals designed to secure these ends. Any question, however, as to what is the most suitable form of Government for Scotland in post-war years also raises political and economic issues involving other parts of the United Kingdom, and can therefore only appropriately be raised as part of a general measure for the revision of the machinery of Government for Great Britain.