asked the Lord President of the Council, in selecting the date for the referendum for Scotland, what advice he received as to the hours of daylight, depth of snow, and average daily temperature in the Highland regions of Scotland and in the Lowland upland areas at the beginning of March.

In proposing a date for the referendum, the Government were concerned to ensure the fairest possible test of public opinion, given the importation of the 40 per cent. test, by holding it just as soon as practical on the new register of electors and at a time when the worst of the winter weather could be avoided.