asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that several months ago the Peebles Town Council adopted a by-law (Clause 9b) making humane slaughter compulsory in Peebles; that such adoption was duly confirmed by the Sheriff; that the Peebles Town Clerk made application to the Under-Secretary for confirmation as required by Section 318 of the Burgh Police (Scotland) Act, 1890, on 10th August last; that since that elate the town clerk has sent two reminders of his first application, but so far has received no reply to his communication will he state the reason for delay; and will he now confirm the by-law unani- mously approved by the town council and confirmed by the Sheriff for the county?

The reply to the first four parts of the question is in the affirmative. I am in favour of the object of the by-law, and I received a deputation on the general subject to which it relates about 10 days ago. Confirmation in this particular case has, I regret, been unavoidably deferred pending the Consideration of certain general questions as to the best method of achieving the object in view. I appreciate the desire of the Town Council of Peebles for an early decision, and I shall do my best to meet it.