§ MR. M'EWAN(for Mr. D. CRAWFORD) (Lanark, N.E.) (Edinburgh, Central)asked the Lord Advocate, Whether his attention had been called to a Report by Mr. James Muir, C.A., on the accounts of the Airdrie and Coatbridge Water Company, in which it is stated that the Directors have levied rates exceeding those authorized by Parliament, and adopted a method of accounting which deprived the ratepayers of a reduction of rates amounting to upwards of £5,000; whether any contradiction or explanation of the above statement has been given since the Report was published on November 17; and whether he will inquire into the matter, and consider what remedy can be afforded to the ratepayers, the majority of whom are working men?
THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. M. T. STORMONTH DARLING)(who replied) said (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)The matter referred to in the Question appears to be one rather for the Civil Courts than for the Lord Advocate. I am not aware whether any contradiction or explanation of the statement has been given, but the Lord Advocate will cause inquiry to be made, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.