§ 31. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the concern felt by small burghs in Scotland regarding the discussions now proceeding on changes in their powers and duties in the post-war reconstruction; and whether he will make a statement indicating exactly what action the Government are taking in the matter and what official inquiries are contemplated?
Mr. JohnstonI have had no representations from small burghs on the matter to which my hon. Friend refers, and it is not clear what discussions he has in mind. I have, after consultation with the Council of ex-Secretaries of State for Scotland, instituted a number of inquiries into Scottish post-war reconstruction problems; but no inquiry into the question of the powers of small burghs has been set up.
Mr. StewartIn order to reassure those concerned, will my right hon. Friend indicate whether he has in mind any inquiries into this particular problem of the powers and duties of small burghs?