§ 1. Mr. McKinlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered representations from the burgh of Mihigavie protesting against the imposition of the county of Dunbarton's requisition for an additional sum of £2,823 as a consequence of air-raids on the burgh of Clydebank in March, 1941; that the sum mentioned represents an increase in the burgh rates of 1s. per £ and, as this district has no industries due to war activities and that hardship will ensue from the proposed increase, will he take steps to relieve this burgh?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)I have had representations from the burgh of Milngavie and other local authorities affected by the Dunbarton County requisition. Inquiries are being made into the extent to which, as a result of air-raid damage, the burden on the ratepayers may be increased in the current year, with a view to ascertaining whether the position warrants assistance under the Government scheme for assisting local authorities.
§ Mr. McKinlayIn view of the fact that every adjoining county has had substantial reductions in rates, is there any reason why bombed areas should be asked to pay for their suffering?
§ Mr. JohnstonMost urgent inquiries are being made, and as soon as replies come from the burghs concerned the whole position will be examined.
§ Mr. KirkwoodWill the Secretary of State have regard to the fact that the Scottish Office asked the town of Milngavie to make provision for over 200 evacuees and 642 that Milngavie had to make provision for almost 3,000?