§ Sir WALTER MENZIESasked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of the fact that the contribution in England from the Treasury towards police pay and clothing is 50 per cent. of the local authority's outlay, whereas in Scotland it is only about 35 per cent., he will ascertain, before the Police (Weekly Rest-Day) (Scotland) Bill is considered by a Grand Committee, if the Treasury is willing to increase the Scottish Grant to 50 per cent.; and by what sum would this Grant lessen the £58,000 per annum which this Bill, if it becomes an Act, will cost the ratepayers of Scotland?
§ Mr. URETo increase the Scottish Grant to 50 per cent. would necessitate an addition of some £62,000 a year to the present amount, and as was pointed out in detail in my reply of the 16th of this 1330 month to my hon. Friend the Member for the College Division of Glasgow, there is not in the matter of Police Grant any inequality of treatment as between England and Scotland, if the total sums assigned for local purposes to the two countries are taken into account. No claim could therefore be pressed upon the Treasury as suggested. Pending any general readjustment of Imperial and local taxation, I fear that the increased cost referred to would have to be borne by the local authorities.