HC Deb 23 February 1960 vol 618 cc177-8
30. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the increased and rapidly increasing provision of State financial help to private industry, he will now take steps to introduce legislation providing for the full re-rating of industry.

Mr. Maclay

Industry was partially re-rated as recently as 16th May, 1959, and I have no further proposal to make at present.

Mr. Hamilton

Why not? As increasing amounts of public money are being given to private enterprise and at the same time local authorities are having to increase their rates because of the Government's policy, will not the right hon. Gentleman introduce, as a matter of simple justice to the local authorities and the ratepayers, a Measure to ensure that industry pays its full share of the rate burden?

Mr. Maclay

I am by no means certain that at this moment when we are trying hard to encourage industries to go to Scotland I ought to take steps to increase their overheads.

Mr. Forbes Hendry

Is my right hon. Friend aware that to restore re-rating of industry would be one of the best ways to keep industries away from Scotland?