HC Deb 21 April 1953 vol 514 cc790-1
17. Mr. Mclnnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the report of the Working Party on Exchequer Equalisation Grants is likely to be published.

Commander Galbraith

My right hon. Friend hopes to present a report to the House before the end of the summer.

Mr. McInnes

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that at present 15 local authorities in Scotland, covering almost half of the Scottish population, have not received one single penny under this scheme? Is it not obvious that the scheme in Scotland has completely broken down and at a time when the English and Welsh local authorities are receiving millions and millions of pounds? I hope the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will accelerate publication of the report.

Mr. Awbery

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us whether the report will cover the country as well as Scotland?

Commander Galbraith

This report only concerns Scotland.