16. Mr. Gibson (forMr. Mathers)asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the 1934–35 Local Government Financial Statistics for England and Wales were published during 1937, but that the much less elaborate Local Taxation Returns for Scotland published in 1937 related to 1933–34; whether he will state why Scotland is so far behind England and Wales in this matter; and whether he will give 10 an undertaking to expendite publication in future?
§ Mr. ElliotThe delay in the publication of the 1934–35 returns has been caused by the difficulty of obtaining certified accounts for that year from certain local authorities. It is hoped to obtain the necessary accounts from these authorities at an early date, and this will enable the returns to be completed and published without further delay.