§ 18. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of factors in Glasgow who collect rates with rent, the amount of rates collected by them on which 2½ per cent. is payable by the Glasgow Corporation; and the estimated increase that will accrue to them as the result of the Government amendment to the Local Government Bill for Scotland?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)The number of factors in Glasgow who collect rates under the House Letting and Rating (Scotland) Act, 1911, is approximately 230. The amount of occupiers' rates falling to be collected by owners was in 1927–28 £1,062,582. Under Clause 20 of the Local Government (Scotland) Bill, the allowance to owners for the collection of occupiers' assessments would fall to be fixed by the Sheriff within the limits stated in the Clause, I am unable to anticipate what that decision might be.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCan the right hon. Gentleman inform us what the increase will be, if the Sheriff takes advantage of the amendment which is being proposed?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir. It would be quite impossible for me to pre-judge what the Sheriff may decide.