§ 43. Mr. RAMSAYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the proportion of the total grant credited to the county council of Ross and Cromarty which is allocated in respect of each of the various services to the Island of Lewis and the mainland part of the county, respectively, as specified in the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929?
§ 62. Mr. WATSONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received any complaints respecting the operation of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, especially the portion dealing with public assistance; and if any steps have been taken to ensure a better working of the Act?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Johnston)I cannot within the limits of a Parliamentary reply deal with the various representa- 656 tions my right hon. Friend has received regarding the Act, but he is presently considering various representations which have been made to him on the lines indicated in the hon. Member's question, and he would be glad if the hon. Member could give him any additional information which may have come to his notice.
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the hon. Gentleman tell us whether the conference has been arranged between himself and the local authorities with regard to public assistance?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONNo conference has been arranged between me and the local authorities, but I understand that there is to be an informal conference arranged for this purpose. I do not know whether it has been held or not.
§ Mr. STEPHENDid not the hon. Gentleman give a promise that he would arrange to hold a conference with the local authorities?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONNo, Sir, a friendly discussion with some authorities, but it has not yet been fixed.