§ 2. Lord SCONEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the profit made or loss incurred upon each of the hotels and inns in the State management districts of Gretna and the Cromarty Firth in each of the years 1929, 1930, and 1931?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe financial position of these schemes, including a statement of the total profit for each district, is set out in the annual reports presented to Parliament, but to give separate figures in respect of each of the individual properties would be a new departure which might be injurious to the interests of the Exchequer. I regret, therefore, that I cannot comply with the Noble Lord's request, but I am sending him a copy of the last three reports.
§ 3. Lord SCONEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that both the majority and minority reports of the Royal Commission on Licensing (Scotland), 1931, recommend that the Government cease to control the State 1588 management districts of the Cromarty Firth and Gretna; and if it is proposed to follow this recommendation?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am aware of the recommendations referred to, but in view of the reply given by my predecessor in office to the right hon. Member for Ross and Cromarty (Mr. Macpherson) on the 28th July, 1931, fuller investigation would be necessary before any legislation on this point could be considered. It is not proposed to introduce any such legislation in present circumstances.
§ Lord SCONEDoes not my right hon. Friend think that a sufficiently full investigation has been made by the Royal Commission, of which both the majority and minority were in agreement on this head?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs it not a fact that no evidence at all was asked for from the district of Ross and Cromarty with regard to this question?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThat is accurate. With regard to the first supplementary question, before any further legislation is considered on this point, more information and investigation are necessary.
§ Lord SCONEWill that be made?
§ Sir G. COLLINSNot by me.