HC Deb 03 July 1956 vol 555 c1149
34. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has refused to allow Glasgow Corporation to send more than one delegate to the Town Planning Conference in Vienna next month.

Mr. N. Browne

The view was taken that in present economic circumstances the attendance of one member of the Corporation at this Conference, along with any appropriate officers, would adequately represent the corporation's interests.

Mr. Rankin

Surely this is an element of dictation which is completely wrong when applied to local government in this way? Is the Joint Under-Secretary of State aware that Baillie Millar, the Convenor of the Planning Committee, regards the conference as being so important that he is going to Vienna at his own expense? Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that that is wrong, and that it is a wrong way to treat a great municipal corporation like that of Glasgow, which has so many responsibilities for town planning?

Mr. Browne

It is, however, true that one member with any of the necessary officials can adequately represent the interests of any local authority at the Conference. The hon. Member may know that Edinburgh applied for authority to send one member only.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. Is it in order to suggest that Glasgow should follow Edinburgh's example?

Mr. Speaker

Yes, perfectly in order.