59. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the resolutions passed by the Convention of Royal Burghs of Scotland, and endorsed by the corporation of Glasgow, expressing the opinion that the question of Imperial and local taxation in Scotland should be the subject of separate investigation and report, and protesting against the disbandment of the Departmental Committee on Local and Imperial Taxation without having heard the Scottish case; and whether it is the intention 1939 of the Government to secure a full investigation of the relations of local and Imperial taxation so far as they affect Scotland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have received a copy of the letter which the standing joint committee of the Association of County Councils in Scotland and the Convention of Royal Burghs of Scotland sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject of Imperial and local taxation. As regards the rest of the question, I can only refer the hon. Member to the replies given on this subject by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 16th March and 21st April, and by the Secretary for Scotland on 14th May.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware there is a very strong desire among the local bodies in Scotland that there should be an inquiry of this nature in Scotland as well as in England?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not sure whether my hon. Friend desires that the claims of Scotland should be deferred until after the inquiry is completed.
§ 88. Mr. WATThad the following question on the Notice Paper: To ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed unanimously by the Convention of Royal Burghs to the effect that the question of Imperial and local taxation in Scotland should be the subject of separate investigation and report; that the Report by the Departmental Committee [Cd. 7315] in regard to England and Wales should not be regarded as entirely applicable to Scotland; and, if so, will he say whether it is the intention of the Government to disband the Departmental Committee without considering Scotland separately?
§ Mr. PIRIEMay I ask this question on behalf of my hon. Friend? The Secretary for Scotland is not here. He is absent, as usual; playing golf, I suppose?