§ Mr. Sloanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the town council of Cove and Kilcreggan refuse the public admission to their meetings; that the only public reports are those prepared by the town clerk; that this is one of the few town councils in Scotland that hold their meetings in secret; and whether he intends taking any action to remove the ban and allow public admission?
§ Mr. WestwoodThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, while the Press have, subject to certain limitations, a statutory right of admission to meetings of local authorities, I am informed that they have not availed themselves of it in Cove and Kilcreggan, and that the town clerk has from time to time communicated reports to the local Press. I am informed that a number of local authorities in Scotland do not admit the general public to their meetings, which are in many cases held in very small rooms. While my right hon. Friend has no power to give directions in the matter, he thinks it will generally be regarded as desirable that meetings of local authorities should be held in public so far as accommodation and circumstances permit.