§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Sir J. GILMOURI beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."
This Bill, after negotiations between the Convention of Royal Burghs, the Association of County Councils, and. indeed, all the authorities in Scotland, has been asked for by them. It is a Bill to amend the Roads and Streets in Police Burghs (Scotland) Act, 1891, which enables the management and maintenance of highways in any police burgh to be transferred from the county council to the town council on terms arrived at by agreement or settlement by the Sheriff. The Measure has been fully discussed 305 between the parties concerned, and I understand there is general agreement upon it, so that I think it may, perhaps, be considered as a non-controversial Measure.
§ Mr. HARDIEI should like to ask if, in the arrangement which has been made, as explained by the Secretary for Scotland, provision is made, in cases where there are private interests, for the question of disturbance of the roads. I am thinking of the case of a road that has been taken over, where a private company has still the right, given in 1894, of laying cables. Is there any provision in the Bill to the effect that those who are responsible for the cutting of the road shall pay for it?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI imagine that in any case where a private company is concerned there is provision for coming to a settlement, and I cannot imagine that there would be any difficulty on the point.
§ Mr. HARDIEI know of a case now where, six months ago, certain cuts were made in a certain road, and those concerned have not yet been able to agree among themselves as to who shall bear the expense. I was wondering if such a case were covered by this Bill.
§ Sir J. GILMOURI will have that matter carefully looked into before the Committee stage.