DR. MACDONALDI 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. BALFOURI answered this question last Monday. I do not know whether the hon. Member desires me to repeat my answer?
DR. MACDONALDThe point in my question which the right hon. 1581 Gentleman seemed to miss was whether the Secretary for Scotland has the right to ask for plans before making an inquiry, and the point is that people are put to the expense of preparing plans, specifications, &c, before they know whether the works will be carried out.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe hon. Gentleman will see that I should have some difficulty in answering that question.