§ 40. Mr. MILLARasked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, in view of the widespread anxiety and apprehension created by the Report of Scottish Board of Health consultative council recommending the abolition of the parish councils in Scotland and of the smaller burghs and public health authorities, he can give an assurance that no steps are at present contemplated to give effect to the views of the consultative council, and that the fullest opportunity will be afforded to the parish councils and burghs and other public health authorities to express their views before any decision is arrived at?
§ Captain ELLIOTI am not aware that the publication of the Report referred to has created anxiety and apprehension, but the hon. and learned Member may rest assured that no decision will be taken on the matters referred to without full opportunity to the local authorities mentioned to express their views.
§ Mr. MILLARIs the hon. Gentleman prepared to give an assurance that his Department is not prepared to take any action on the lines of that Report at the present time?
§ Captain ELLIOTNot without consideration of the local authorities' views.