asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the communication from the town council of the royal burgh of Cullen impressing upon him the urgent desirability of an immediate inquiry into the working of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929; and whether, in view of the strong feeling in the same direction throughout Scotland, in these circumstances he will institute the inquiry before the end of the second financial period?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As stated in reply to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Sir R. Hamilton) on Tuesday of last week, early steps will be taken, as required by the Act of 1929, to investigate its financial working in consultation with local authorities before the expiry of the second fixed grant period on 15th May, 1937.

Will the Under-Secretary explain what he means by an "early opportunity"? Can he give me any idea when this Committee is going to begin its investigations?

The investigations will be undertaken in full time before the period lapses.

Is he aware of the strong feeling which exists in Scotland on this matter, and the necessity for taking some steps to meet it?

May I ask whether the inquiry will be extended not merely to the financial aspect of the Act but into its general working?

On that point, I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the right hon. and gallant Member for Caithness (Sir A. Sinclair).

Are we to understand that it is only an inquiry into the finances of the Act, and not into the whole working of the Act?

Yes, that is so.