§ Mr. W. WATSONasked the Secretary for Scotland if the Ballingry Parish Council have sent him a copy of a resolution, passed at the last meeting of that body, relative to Section 37 of the Poor Law (Scotland) Act, 1845; if he is aware that the Lochgelly Iron and Coal Company have appealed against this year's assessments and claim total exemption from payment of parish assessments; that this matter is likely to be taken to the Court of Session; and does he propose to take any steps to have the above-named Section of the Poor Law (Scotland) Act repealed?
Mr. ADAMSONI have received a letter from the Ballingry Parish Council containing the resolution referred to and also information to the effect stated in the second and third parts of the question. The repeal of Section 37 of the Poor Law (Scotland) Act, 1845, is one of several recommendations for amendment of the law relating to local taxation in Scotland made by the Departmental Committee which recently inquired into the subject, and will require to be considered in connection with any general Measure of rating reform.