§ MR. JOHN DEWAR (Inverness)I beg to ask the Lord-Advocate if his attention has been drawn to the increase of the rates in the Western Hebrides, amounting as they do in the parish of South Uist to over 12s. per pound, in the parish of Barra to over 13s. per pound, while in some parishes in the Lewes they amount to 17s. per pound; and whether, in view of this state of matters, with the prospect of still further increase, he will consider whether something can be done, by legislation or otherwise, to meet the hardship inflicted upon the districts.
MR. SCOTT DICKSONMy attention has been drawn to the growing burden of the rates in the parishes referred to by the hon. Member. The Secretary for Scotland is fully conscious of the gravity of the state of matters which now exists and which is engaging his serious consideration, but he cannot undertake to introduce any legislative proposals at present.
§ MR. WEIRWill the Government press forward the Congested Districts Bill, which has now been introduced four years in succession?
MR. SCOTT DICKSONI am afraid the opposition to it comes chiefly from the hon. Member's own friends.
§ MR. WEIRThen is the Government afraid of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Mid-Lanark?