§ 24. Mr. M. MacMILLAN forasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the inquiry which is being made into the financial aspects of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929; and whether it is now possible to extend the scope of the inquiry, in view of the growing dissatisfaction on the part of small burghs regarding the lessening of their authority in matters over which they previously had full control?
§ Sir G. COLLINSAs regards the first part of the question, the procedure in connection with the financial investigation has been discussed with local authority representatives, and relative statistics have been circulated for their consideration. As regards the second part, the scope of this financial investigation is specifically defined by the Act, and I am unable to give any undertaking as to an inquiry into the general questions referred to.
§ Mr. WESTWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great and growing irritation in connection with the administration in Scotland, and that that irritation would be wiped away if he would set up the committee of inquiry suggested in the last part of the question?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe information which I have does not lead me to think that there is growing dissatisfaction in Scotland in connection with the working of the Act. As to the finances, these are presently being inquired into, and no doubt legislation will be carried into effect at an early date.
§ Mr. WESTWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Convention of Royal Burghs repeatedly and unanimously passed resolutions demanding this inquiry?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am well aware of the dissatisfaction, but my answer was that there is no growing dissatisfaction. I would rather suggest that the dissatisfaction is getting less.
§ Mr. WESTWOODIs it possible that the dissatisfaction can grow any more when it includes every local authority outwith the county council authorities?