§ 9. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the growing concern about the present methods of financing local government; and what proposals he has for relief of hardship by a reform of the existing system.
§ Mr. GalbraithWhile I cannot accept the hon. Member's reference to hardship I am aware of the continuing interest in this subject. But only a few years have elapsed since the present system was examined in great detail and I do not think the time is ripe for a further overhaul.
§ Mr. HamiltonHas the hon. Gentleman read the Answer given in the House by his English counterpart to the effect that a committee has been set up and that a White Paper will be issued in consequence, as a result of representations from all sides of the House about the 444 injustice of the present system? Does the hon. Gentleman now imply in his Answer that what will happen in England will not happen in Scotland and therefore the injustice which is rightly charged against the present system will continue in Scotland whilst it is being remedied in England?
§ Mr. GalbraithNaturally we keep in touch with our colleagues south of the Border. I do not think that my hon. Friend, in speaking for the Government, actually referred to a White Paper; he referred to a document. But, as the hon. Member will know, a separate review of the existing grant arrangements is at present taking place in Scotland and we had better wait to see what comes out of that.