HC Deb 07 March 1939 vol 344 c1915
66. Mr. Westwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to state what action he pro poses to ensure that town and county councillors who are members of co operative societies registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, are not prejudiced in comparison with those who are shareholders in companies incorporated under the Companies Acts?

Mr. Colville

I have been in consultation with the Departmental Committee which is at present reviewing the general local government law in Scotland, and at my request, the committee have been good enough to furnish me in anticipation of their general report with their views on the particular difficulties referred to and also on those which have arisen under Section 107 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1925. The committee are agreed that the existing law should be amended in order to meet these difficulties, and I hope to introduce a Bill for the purpose at an early date.

Mr. Westwood

In view of the serious disquiet in local administrative circles in Scotland, can we have any indication as to how speedily that emergency legislation will be introduced?

Mr. Colville

I hope that within a fortnight I should be able to introduce a Bill.