§ Mr. McGOVERNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reasons for the compulsory retirement of the governor of Blinkbonny Home, Falkirk, Mr. Gordon Paterson; and if he intends to hold a public inquiry into the administration of the institution as requested by the Falkirk Town Council?
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§ Mr. SKELTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The appointment and dismissal of governors of poorhouses is entirely a matter for the local authority, and is not one in which the Department have any power to intervene. With regard to the second part, the Department have no information at present before them to indicate the necessity for any inquiry into the administration of the poorhouse. I understand, however, that a report on the matter will be submitted to the Deparment by the Falkirk Town Council at an early date.