64. Sir J. HOPEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has considered the application from a conference of Scottish local authorities that Government grants in aid of local expenditure should be paid by monthly instalments, and so save the heavy interest on overdrafts incurred by local authorities for expenditure which is not re-imbursed to them for many months after their payments are made; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Lieut.-Colonel GILMOURMy right hon. Friend has received the application referred to, and is considering it in consultation with the Treasury.