§ 11. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of valuation areas for which a valuation appeal committee has now been appointed.
§ Mr. MaclayI understand that so far far the sheriffs have appointed valuation appeal committees under the 1956 Act in 27 out of 35 valuation areas.
§ Mr. HannanCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the names of the valuation areas where committees have not been appointed? Is he aware that under Section 5 of the 1956 Act a statutory duty is laid upon sheriffs to appoint these committees, and are we to look forward to a novel situation in which the Lord Advocate will prosecute the sheriffs and call the Secretary of State as a witness?
§ Mr. MaclayThe latter part of the supplementary question is over-complicated to deal with at Question Time. I will send to the hon. Member the names of the authorities which have made no appointments.
§ Mr. T. FraserWill the right hon. Gentleman look at the provisions of Section 5 of the 1956 Act, where it is made quite clear that all these committees will be functioning from 16th May, 1957? That date has now passed, and apparently eight of the committees have yet to be appointed. Will the right hon. Gentleman see whether he has any powers which could be exercised in that direction?
§ Mr. MaclayI note the point made by the hon. Member.