§ 44. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that the Linlithgow education authority have been informed by the agents for the Marquess of Linlithgow that the title deeds of Ecclesmachen school and schoolhouse were not in existence, and that therefore the property belonged to him; whether he is aware that a claim has also been lodged in respect of rent for the past four years if he can state whether any title deeds for this property are in existence; and if he will ask the Marquess of Linlithgow to produce any title deeds which arc in his possession for examination before the property is taken out of the hands of the education authority?
§ Captain ELLIOTThe answer to the first three parts of the question is in the negative. With regard to the last part, my Noble Friend is not aware of any authority under which he could take the action referred to.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWith regard to the first three parts of the question, is it not the case that a communication has been sent by the agent of the Marquess of Linlithgow to the education authority, on the lines indicated; and, having regard to that circumstance, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give the matter immediate attention?
§ Captain ELLIOTThe agent has not notified the Scottish Office of such a communication and neither has the Education Department, therefore we are without official knowledge of the facts to which the hon. Member refers.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIf the facts are as stated, having regard to the effect on the education authority, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to put the matter right?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a hypothetical question. The hon. Member should first get the facts.