§ Major HENDERSONasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that parish councils have been informed that they cannot give any special benefits to those in receipt of poor relief to celebrate Peace if such benefits fall on the rates; whether he is also aware that no such restriction exists in England; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
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§ Mr. MUNROThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The law of Scotland on this point differs from the law of England. In view of the unique character of the occasion, and as it appears to be the general desire that some relaxation should be allowed, I propose to inform local authorities in regard to whose accounts a power of surcharge is vested in the Secretary for Scotland, or the Departments under his control, that reasonable expenditure from the rates in connection with any public local celebration of Peace will not be made the subject of a surcharge.