§ DR. MACDONALD (Queen's County, Ossory)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Secretary for Scotland has, in contravention of Section 2, Sub-section 4, of "The Western Highlands and Islands (Scotland) Works Act, 1891," refused to make inquiry into certain works proposed to be made under the said Act in Ross-shire till plans, specifications, &c, are laid before him as to the proposed works; and, if so, what remedy there is to compel the observance of the Act and procure an inquiry?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Secretary for Scotland has requested the County Council interested to supply information, plans, and specifications, with a view to facilitate the preliminary inquiry he is entitled to make under Section 2 of the Act. Whether such plans are furnished or not the Secretary of State in no case has refused to make the necessary inquiry.
§ DR. MACDONALDMay I ask whether it is not the fact that the plans and specifications are not to be supplied until after the inquiry is made?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI will submit the suggestion of the hon. Member to the Scotch Office.