Part of Orders of the Day — Local Government (Scotland) Bill. – in the House of Commons am ar 26 Ebrill 1929.
I must press the right hon. Gentleman to give some reply to the case that has been stated. I recall the afternoon similar to this when the question first came up, and when the promise was given. I can recall also the chagrin with which the English Members viewed the concession which was given, and I am beginning to see that that chagrin has been working to try and make what was then promised as of little value as possible. I hope that the Secretary of State for Scotland will not be at any time subject to the English Members of his own party. As Secretary of State, he is the chief representative for Scotland, but I am suspicious that there has been pressure brought upon him by English Members; and I hope that he will understand that, if he need any assistance to resist that pressure, he can depend upon us. We have discussed on another Clause the question of dignity in regard to certain officers. Let us take the question of dignity as between county Councillors and district councillors. Where is the actual detailed work going to be done? Where is that class of work which demands constant contact with detail, and constant knowledge of detail in the district, going to be done? On whom is the bulk of the real administration going to fall?