HC Deb 03 April 1913 vol 51 cc555-6
66. Major HOPE

asked the Secretary for Scotland when he intends to introduce the Scottish Mental Deficiency Bill; and whether it will be printed before the Second Reading of the English Bill so that there may be an opportunity of considering whether the two Bills are in any respect interdependent?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am sorry I cannot fix a date or say more than that I will print and introduce the Bill as soon as possible.

Mr. WATT

Can the right hon. Gentlemen say whether this Bill will add more to the financial burden of the local authorities than the amount of the Grant to be given by the Treasury to the local authorities?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Of course it deals with a matter which must cast some burden on the local authorities, but undoubtedly they will get a Grant from the Treasury.

Major HOPE

Will the Bill be printed before the Second Reading of the English Bill?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I cannot promise that. The two Bills are similar in their main objects, but there are differences owing to the different circumstances of the local authorities of the country.

Major HOPE

Are not there some Clauses the same in both Bills?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Certainly.