§ 41. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the villagers of Milton of Balgonie were charged a rate of 11¾. in the pound for 1936 in respect of drainage in the village; that no drainage has been proceeded with; that the Fife County Council say that the drainage of Milton of Balgonie is part of a larger scheme, the drainage of the River Leven, which will ultimately benefit Milton of Balgonie; and will he take steps to see that the drainage of the village is immediately attended to or the money secured by the drainage rate returned to those from whom it has been taken?
§ Mr. ElliotThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, the county council have before them a scheme for the purification of the River Leven by the construction of a regional sewer into which the drainage of sewers for Milton of Balgonie would discharge. I am informed that progress is being made in the necessary negotiations between the county council and the industrialists and neighbouring authorities concerned and that the county council consider they are fully entitled to levy the rate in question.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it permissible that the people of Milton of Balgonie should pay a rate of 11¾. for drainage and get no drainage?
§ Mr. ElliotIf the inhabitants think they are being improperly rated, the remedy is to be sought in the Law Courts. The Secretary of State has no power to intervene in the matter.