DR. CAMERONasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If with a view of saving time in the discussion of the Vote in aid of Medical Belief in Scotland, he would state whether the Government contemplate a speedy alteration of the system on which these Grants in Aid are allocated; and, if so, whether he can assure the House that in whatever arrangement may be determined on, Scotland will be dealt with on an equally favourable footing with the other portions of the United Kingdom?
MR. GLADSTONEHer Majesty's Government are considering the subject of grants in aid at large, with the view of devising, if possible, some better method of regulating the appropriation of public money for local purposes. The subject is one of very great extent and importance, and connects itself with the general question of local government in a considerable degree. Her Majesty's Government are very anxious to approach the subject as soon as they may be able; and I have no difficulty whatever in giving my hon. Friend the assurance which he asks for in his Question—that is to say, that in whatever arrangement that may be contemplated by the Government, Scotland will be dealt with 1456 on an equally favourable footing with the other portions of the United Kingdom, and I may add with England in particular.