§ 47. Mr. MACLEANasked the Prime Minister whether he has received pro- 750 tests against the Local Government (Scotland) Bill from any of the local elected bodies in Scotland; and from how many?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on this subject on 14th and 27th November. Since the last mentioned date I have received representations against the Bill in general from three local authorities and against specific provisions on the Bill from 30.
§ Mr. MACLEANSince the volume of opinion, as represented in local bodies, is against the Bill, and as the majority of the Scottish Members who took part in the Division voted against it, will the right hon. Gentleman not now consider the advisability of dropping the Bill as it applies to Scotland?
§ Mr. SKELTONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think Scottish opinion is perhaps better discovered by the fact that neither the Liberal nor the Labour party propose to repeal the Bill if returned to office?
§ Mr. MACLEANWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to my question and inform the House whether the fact that the volume of opinion in Scotland, represented in local bodies and also in the House, is against the Bill will not influence him in dropping it?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir.