§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Lord-Advocate whether he is aware that the Government grant known as the Equivalent Grant has hitherto been devoted by county councils in the Highland crofting counties in the relief of district road rates and the construction and maintenance of works of public utility such as footpaths, and will provision be made in the Education (Scotland) Bill exempting the crofting counties from the operation of any clause designed to deprive county councils of the power of determining the disposal of money at present received under the Equivalent Grant.
THE LORD-ADVOCATE (Mr. SCOTT DICKSON, Glasgow, Bridgton)The Secretary for Scotland is aware of the facts as stated, but cannot make any declaration in anticipation of the Education (Scotland) Bill which will shortly be introduced.