§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that in October the Wigtownshire County Council granted a licence for a slaughterhouse at Port William within 15 yards of dwelling-houses and shops after the district committee had refused to grant the licence; that the owners of these premises objected to the granting of the licence; that at the same meeting the county council refused the licence for a knackery on the objection of a member of the council that it would impair the value of his estate, although it would be over 1,400 yards from his house and the nearest inhabited house would be approximately 200 yards away; and, if so, whether, in view of such apparent differences in administration by county councils, he will inquire into the matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIt is not the case that the Wigtownshire County Council granted a licence for the establishment of a slaughterhouse at Port William after the district committee had refused it. The district committee at first refused sanction but, after inspection of the premises, this decision was reconsidered and sanction was granted unanimously. The county council confirmed this sanction. An appeal was lodged with the Scottish Board of Health who, after inquiry on the spot, have decided that sanction was properly given. In regard to the knackery referred to I have no information. Where, however, sanction is refused to the establishment of the business of a knacker, there is an appeal to the Scottish Board of Health.