§ 19. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has now received the report from the Scottish Council of Social Service about the need for registration of charities in Scotland; and whether he accepts its recommendations.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy right hon. Friend received this report in May and is studying its implications.
§ Mr. HannanCan the Under-Secretary go a bit further and say whether the Government are aware of the difficulties confronting the general public and social workers in discovering information about these trusts because of the absence of a central register? Is it proposed to do anything for Scotland by way of extending to Scotland the 1960 England and Wales Act dealing with charities?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWe have to appreciate that this report raises very big questions and it would be premature to say anything further at this stage until the study is completed. Not only are a large number of charities involved but the rating and taxation authorities are also involved and this warrants very deep study.