HC Deb 09 March 1937 vol 321 cc947-8
17. Mr. Westwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the desire on the part of the Convention of Royal Burghs for an inquiry into the working of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, and that this is now supported by several county councils; and, if so, whether he is now prepared to set up a committee to inquire into and report on the working of the Act as promised by the Lord President of the Council on 10th July, 1929?

Mr. Elliot

The request of the Convention of Royal Burghs for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the general working of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, was fully considered by my predecessor, who informed the Convention on 17th August last that he was unable to accede to it. I have again considered the position, but I regret I am unable to depart from the decision previously reached. I should add that, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the inquiry into the financial working of the Act, the results of which have just been published, was carried out in consultation with the associations of local authorities and took full account of the position of the burghs and of the representations made on their behalf.

Mr. Westwood

Is the Minister aware that the negotiation carried through so successfully with the right hon. Gentleman has nothing whatever to do with the actual administrative work of the 1929 Act, that there is a good deal of friction in Scotland that might be removed if the committee were to be set up, and that the setting up of the committee is supported by some of the county councils—quite a new point, worthy of consideration by the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider meeting Scottish Members on this point of the dissatisfaction which is very widely felt in Scotland?

Mr. Elliot

I am always ready to meet Scottish Members.