HOME RULE FOR SCOTLAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2001, 10 July 1919, Page 1

HOME RULE FOR SCOTLAND.

BILL INTRODUCED INTO PAR-

LIAMMENT

The Bill for the Government of Scotland introduced into the House of Commons by Sir Henry Cowan, provides for the establishment of a Single Chamber Parliament, subordinate to the Imperial Parliament, and consisting of 148 members, representing the existing constituencies, and returned by the Parliamentary electors, with the addition of Peers.

The representation of Scotland in the Commons House of ihe Parliament of the United Kingdom is to continue as at present until separate provision is made for devolution in England and Wales, when the representation of the component parts of Great Britain in the Parliament of the United Kingdom will fall to be considered and readjusted. The powers of the Scots Parliament include all those conferred on the Irish Parliament in Ihe Government of Ireland Act, ID 1 1, except the control of the Post. Office and the power to vary Customs and Excise, but with (he addition of the administration of old- age pensions, national insurance, and Labour Exchanges, The Executive power will continue vested in his Majesty the King, who will be represented in Scotland by a Lord High Commissioner.

The administration will be carried on by the Lord High Commissioner, advised by an Executive Committee of a Scottish Privv Council.

The power of varying Imperial taxes excepting Customs ami Excise, is conferred u))on 1 lie Scotland Parliament, which will, in addition, have the exclusive power of levying the existing Imperial taxes on heritable property in Scotland. Provision is made for (he payment by the Imperial Exchequer to the Scottish Exchequer out of the proceeds of Scottish (axes on an annual sum towards defraying the cost of 'Scottish services. A joint Exchequer Board is established to determine all questions arising under the financial provisions.—The Kincardineshire Observer.