HC Deb 12 July 1932 vol 268 cc1097-8
24. Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the coming conference regarding local rates, he will suggest to educational authorities in Scotland the desirability of awaiting this meeting before raising any education rate for the coming year?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

I presume my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the committee representative of the Scottish local authorities which is being set up, on the initiative of the Government, to examine the whole question of economies in local expenditure. I must, however, point out that Sub-section (2) of Section 21 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, requires a county council to requisition from the town council of each burgh included in the county the sum apportioned and allocated to the burgh as rate contribution not later than the 15th day of July in each year. Accordingly, it is not open to me to take any such action as is suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.