§ Mr. E. BROWNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he took any, and, if any, what, steps to invite an expression of local opinion as to the desirability of uniting the burghs which are to be compulsorily united under the Local Government (Scotland) Bill; and, in particular, whether the town councils of the various burghs were consulted previous to the introduction of the Bill?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe replies to the first and second parts of the question are in the negative, but the local authorities concerned will have ample opportunity of submitting their views during the progress of the Bill.