§ [THIRD READING.]
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 3a—(Lord Balfour of Burleigh.)
§ THE EARL OF WEMYSSBefore this Bill is read a third time I should like to ask the noble Lord a question. I have no doubt he has explained the measure, but I missed his explanation. I should like to know why Greenlaw is to cease to be the head burgh or county town of Berwickshire, and why Duns is to take its place. I suppose the latter town is more prominent now than it used to be, but will not the change involve considerable expense to the ratepayers? I presume that buildings will have to be erected at Duns for county purposes. I should like some explanation on the point.
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Lord BALFOUR OF BURLEIGH)This Bill passed your Lordships' House last session and the session before, and on the first of these occasions I gave generally the reasons for this change. Until this year the Bill had not passed the other House of Parliament, but this year it originated in the House of Commons and it has passed through that chamber without opposition. Every authority in the county that has communicated with me is in favour of the change, including 6 the County Council. They have been most anxious for it for several years, and the Member of Parliament for the county supports the Bill. My noble friend Lord Tweedmouth is also desirous that this change shall be made. Greenlaw is a small place of some 200 or 300 inhabitants. It is very much out of the way, and, although it has a county building, it is very inconvenient for the county councillors. The railway communication at Duns is much better; that town is more central, and it is the old capital of the county. I think I can say to your Lordships that everybody in the county who has a right to express an opinion is in favour of this change. In three years I have received no representation against it, and therefore I think your Lordships are safe in passing the Bill.
§ On Question, Bill read 3a and passed.