The Sun.
London, England, 1867-06-26 00:00:00

THE SUN. LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, JUNE 26, 1867,

the number of the representatives of Scotland which
certainly has never been exceeded. Therefore, I
may appeal to that Bill as an evidence that it is the
desire of Her Majesty's Government to deal liber-
ally, largely, and effectively with the question of
Scotch representation. Now, I don't want at all at
this moment to be wearisome ; neither of us have
sufficient time to enter into any minute criticism of
the Government measure. It is now before Parlia-
ment and the country, and we have wished that it
should remain for some time in order that it might
be well considered, particularly by the representa-

. _
tives and people of Scotland. We do nct consider
ourselves bound as to the details of the representa-

tion which the Bill confers, or even to the number
of representatives proposed. On the contrary,
those are questions open for criticism and for
friendly communication between members and the
Government. I have never supposed that the mea-
sure or any measure of this kind would be precisely
carried as it was at first proposed ; but the general
principles on which we wish to deal with the repre-
sentation of Scotland are there clearly enunciated
and applied without reserve. It is for the Govern-
ment and for the members for Scotland, without re-
ference to party, by friendly and frank commu-
nication, and by that spirit of compromise
and mutual concession without which no public
business can really fairly and satisfactorily be
accomplished to agree upon the terms of a measure
which will, on the whole, give general satisfaction.
Therefore, I wish it to be clearly understood that
we are ready to receive any representations as to
the details of the measure, and that we shall fairly
consider them. (Cheers.) With regard to the great
question which particularly interests this deputation,
namely, the increase in the number of the repre-
sentatives of Scotland, I can only say, on the part
of her Majesty's Government, that they wish to see
a fair and adequate representation of Scotland.
(Cheers.) They have proposed, in that respect, a
considerable measure, but, generally speaking, all
have to say now is this, that they are resolved to
carry a measure for Scotland, if they can, which
shall considerably increase:the number of its repre-
sentatives. (Cheers.) I will not go into the con-
troversies which are now raging as to how this in-
creased numbers are to be supplied, whether by in-
creasiag the number of members of the house or in

any other way. These are subjects on which we
have pretty well made up our minds, but I will not
enter into the controversy here. This, however, I
will repeat, that we are resolved to carry a mea-
sure by which the representation of Scotland shall
be increased, and when I hear of difficulties upon
that subject I say that when the Government are
resolved to carry a measure so far as its influence is
concerned, I really think; if the Scotch members
are unanimous in supporting the Government, that
there can be no doubt upon the matter. (Loud
cheers.)
Colonel SYKES, M.P.—The right hon. gentleman
has overlooked one part of the question put to
him—namely, whether he will take care that the
opinion of the house is taken in reference to the
Scotch Reform Bill before the English Bill is
finally passed.
The CIIANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER —I was
never asked any question upon that subject, and
my hon. and gallant friend must really allow us
to manage the business of the House of Commons in
the way in which we think best. (Laughter and
cheers.) _ _

Mr. M'LAREN,
-1‘1.13,---The question raised by the
member for Aberdeen is one which it is not neces-
sary that we should discuss now, but I should like
to mention one fact, if the right hon. gentleman
will take it into consideration—namely, that the
number of representatives that was added by the
Reform Bill of 1832 was quite adequate to the re-
venue of Scotland at the period. A glance at the
figures will show that the English revenue at that
time was 9i times larger than the revenue of Scot-
land, but it is now only seven times larger. If you
multiply the number of representatives, namely, 53
by 9i, you will arrive at the proportion given by
the Reform Bill of 1832, but taking the proportion
duo to England as only seven times more than that
of Scotland, the numbers now will be 75.
The deputation having thanked the right hon.
gentleman for the courtesy with which he had re-
ceived and listened to them withdrew.