§ 17. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up a commission of investigation on the future of small burghs, in view of the accumulating evidence that many are unable effectively to discharge their functions.
§ Mr. GalbraithNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HamiltonWhy not? Has the hon. Gentleman or the Department any means of finding out how many small burghs are unable or unwilling, or both, to discharge their functions? Is he aware that there is at least one in my constituency, which is mentioned in a later Question, which is quite unable to fulfil the prime function of housing provision? What steps is he taking to see that that deficiency is remedied?
§ Mr. GalbraithThe hon. Member has his own opinion about one particular small burgh, but that would not justify my right hon. Friend in carrying out the inquiry the hon. Member desires.
§ Mr. John MacLeodCould not the Under-Secretary advise the Secretary of State to have another look at the Cairncross Report?
§ Mr. HamiltonIs not the Minister prepared to answer his own colleague? Is he aware that there is a great problem among the small burghs? Is he aware that people who are unfortunate enough 1230 to live in some burghs which cannot discharge their functions suffer considerable hardships? Is he not prepared to give an answer?
§ Mr. GalbraithI have no evidence of any general demand for the type of inquiry the hon. Member has suggested.