§ 43. Mr. J. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to amend Section 7 of the Harbour Piers and Ferries (Scotland) Act, 1937, so as to increase the maximum, below which a Provisional Order is not required, from £5,000 to £15,000.
§ Mr. J. StuartI cannot promise amending legislation; but I am examining the possibility of shortening and simplifying the procedure involved in obtaining an Order under the Act.
§ Mr. GrimondWhen the Secretary of State considers this matter, will he bear in mind that it is quite illogical to limit local authorities on a particular matter when they are allowed to spend large sums in other ways, and will he also bear 1253 in mind that, owing to the change in the value of money, there is much waste of time and expense in promoting orders for comparatively minor schemes of pier and harbour construction?
§ Mr. StuartI agree that the change in the value of money certainly makes a difference, but legislation and the time for it is another matter.