§ SIR W. WEDDERBURNI beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that, under the Agricultural Rating (Scotland) Act, the relief afforded to agricultural occupiers has in practice resulted in heavier rating for cottars and other indigent non-agricultural occupiers: and whether he can take any steps to remove this grievance?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. A. GRAHAM MURRAY,) ButeshireI have received no further representations to the effect, stated by the honourable Member. Under the Local Taxation Account Act of last Session the amount of the grant for distribution has been increased by £20,000, and no further action in the matter is proposed.
§ SIR W. WEDDERBURNWill the right honourable Gentleman state whether the excess payment made by non-agricultural occupiers will be refunded to them, and what, is the amount of the shortage?
§ MR. GRAHAM MURRAYI think that that was fully explained on the Bill last year. Making up the shortage only takes place after the sum of £20,000 has been paid.