Tuesday was given over to the annual debate on the
work of the Department of Health for Scotland. Scottish Members frequently complain of the inadequate time and attention devoted by Parliament to Scottish affairs. But they show no undue eagerness to seize such opportunities as are vouchsafed to them. At 5.45 there were twenty-six of them present in the Chamber out of a total strength of seventy-two. This number was made up of thirteen Con- servatives, one Liberal National, eight Socialists, two Liberals, one I.L.P. and Mr. Gallacher. The only Highland Members present were Sir Archibald Sinclair and Mr. Snadden. For the last three years speakers in Scottish debates have agreed to confine their speeches to fifteen minutes, and this unwritten rule has been loyally observed. It is doubtful whether it is really a satisfactory arrange- ment, and the time limit is all to the advantage of Ministers. They themselves are not subject to any limitation, while their fiercer critics are badly handicapped. The Opposition is not so effective in this Parliament that it can afford to make things easier for the Administration.
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