§ 44. Mr. H. STEWARTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many local authorities in Scotland desire to carry out large and much needed schemes of development, such as arterial drainage, central water supplies, &c., and are only prevented from starting such works by the lack of financial support; and whether it is the Government's intention to encourage such progressive authorities in Scotland by offering financial support such as has been given to the railway companies in London?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not aware that local authorities in Scotland have been unable to obtain by borrowing from the Local Loans Fund, or by means of a public issue, the capital necessary to finance schemes of the nature indicated. Borrowers from the Local Loans Fund have the advantage of Government credit already, and that is all which it is proposed to give to certain railway companies for the works comprised in the proposals recently laid before the House.