§ 33. Mr. MAXTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state what recourse is open to the public assistance committees of small burghs in Scotland where their recommendations as to relief are rejected by the county council public assistance committee or its officials?
§ Mr. SKELTONWhere the town council of a small burgh carries out any functions in relation to poor relief, it does so as the agent of the county council, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the administrative scheme for the county. In matters which the town council, as agent, has full authority to determine, the question of a recommendation does not arise. In other matters, my right hon. Friend is aware of no recourse against a county council which refuses to adopt a recommendation of a town council.
§ Mr. MAXTONWhere the public assistance committee of a town council have made a recommendation and are being treated with contempt by the officials of the county council, is there no possibility of appeal to the Secretary of State for Scotland?
§ Mr. SKELTONI have nothing to add to my answer. If the hon. Member will bring before me any specific case which he has in mind, it may be more easy to deal with the question put to me.
§ Mr. MAXTONI could bring you dozens.