§ SIR ALEXANDER GORDONasked the Lord Advocate, Whether Burgh of Barony Baillies and Councillors elected by a Feudal Hereditary Provost are recognised by the Burgh Police and Health (Scotland) Bill, inasmuch as hereditary feudal powers were abolished by Act of Parliament in 1747; and, whether Burghs of Barony are comprehended under the title of "Burghs not being Royal and Parliamentary," as defined in Clause 37 of the Bill?
THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR)The provisions of the Burgh Police and Health Bill are made applicable to all burghs, including burghs of barony. I think burghs of barony are only once specially mentioned—that is, in the Interpretation Clause—where they are included in the definition of burgh. They form a numerous class of burghs, including some of the largest towns, and in some few instances the constitution of the Governing Municipal Body is not representative. In all such cases provision is made in the Bill for making the constitution of the Governing Body representative if the inhabitants desire it.