§ 34. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary for Scotland if the Committee at present making inquiry into the claims of necessitous areas are considering the position in Scotland; what representation there is on the Committee from Scotland; and, if not, whether he will state what steps are being taken to inquire into the position of necessitous areas in Scotland?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Committee to which the hon. Member refers has been appointed to consider and report on any scheme which may be submitted to them for special assistance from the Exchequer to local authorities in necessitous urban and quasi-urban areas. It includes two Members representing, respectively, Scottish burgh and county authorities, and one member representing the Scottish Office, and will be prepared to consider schemes submitted from Scotland.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the right hon. Gentleman give the names?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes. They are Sir Henry S. Keith, Mr. John Train, and Mr. P. B. Moodie.
§ Mr. BUCHANANDoes the right hon. Gentleman never think of appointing on these committees a representative of the trade unions and of the working people?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThis is a matter which primarily concerns the local authorities, and I have asked the advice of both burgh and county local authorities.