§ The LORD ADVOCATEmoved for leave to bring in a Bill to alter and amend certain provisions in the Laws relating to the number and election of Magistrates and Councillors in the Burghs in Scotland.
§ MR. EWARTbegged to call the attention of the right hon. and learned Lord Advocate to a defect which existed in the present Municipal Law of Scotland. When the Municipal Corporations Bill was before the House, there were nine boroughs in the schedule which were stated to require reform, but they were omitted from the Bill on the understanding that they would be dealt with by a separate Bill; but this was never done, and there was one borough which was connected with the district he (Mr. Ewart) had the honour to represent, in which the magistrates were self-elected, and disposed of the funds of the corporation without being responsible to any constituency. It was also the case with a borough forming part of the district of Montrose. He hoped that the right hon. and learned Lord Advocate would take the opportunity afforded by this Bill to deal with this question. He would at present leave it in his hands; but if the right hon. and learned Lord did not turn his attention to the matter, he (Mr. Ewart) would bring forward a Motion on the subject.
§ The LORD ADVOCATEsaid, any communication made to him by the hon. Member would meet with his immediate attention.
§ Leave given; Bill ordered to be brought in by the Lord Advocate and Sir William Gibson Craig.