§ Mr. RYLAND ADKINSasked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to secure the appointment of a Joint Committee of both Houses to inquire into the application of the provisions contained in the Local Government Acts, 1888 and 1894, relating to financial adjustments consequent on the alteration of the boundaries of a local government area, and to report to both Houses if they are of opinion that any amendments in such provisions are desirable?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government are prepared to accept the Motion for a Joint Committee which is being moved for in another place. In so doing they rely on the county councils concerned with the three Provisional Order Bills for the extension of boroughs, which are now before this House, consenting to withdraw opposition to the Bills so far as relates to the question of compensation for loss of rateable value, subject to the insertion in the Confirming Bills of a clause to the effect that if the Joint Committee recommend the payment of compensation for such loss the adjustments between the boroughs and the counties concerned shall be on those lines. I understand there is good ground for hoping that this course will be taken, and I am sure I can rely on my hon. Friend using his best efforts to that end.
§ Mr. EUGENE WASONCan the right hon. Gentleman see his way to extend this Committee to Scotland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would rather have notice of the question.
§ Mr. GEORGE YOUNGERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware, seeing that these difficulties are very acute in Scotland, that it would be most desirable that he should include Scotland in the inquiry?