Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements were made for the effective disposal of 147 carcases of stranded whales at Thorton-loch, East Lothian; and whether he is now satisfied that the interests of public health and local amenity have been adequately served by the action taken by the local authority.
Mr. McNeilThe county council arranged with manure manufacturers for the carcases of the 147 whales which came ashore on the morning of 13th May to be removed to various manure works in both Scotland and England, and the task was completed by the evening of 17th May.
The county council handled the situation efficiently and the manure-manufacturing industry gave valuable help in solving what might have become an awkward problem.
Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent his Department is responsible for providing financial assistance to a local authority in defraying expenditure incurred in clearing an area of any malodorous nuisance, dangerous to public health, such as stranded whales, etc.
Mr. McNeilOnly to the extent that rate-borne expenditure (other than expenditure to be defrayed from a domestic water rate) earns Exchequer equalisation grant under the Local Government Act, 1948.