asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the memorial from the proposed District Councils Association, which calls for the right of district councils to contribute towards the maintenance of such an association, which would be responsible for calling and regulating conferences to discuss district council matters; and what decision he has arrived at.

I have received a memorial from a committee appointed at a conference of district councils held in Glasgow regarding the proposed formation of a District Councils Association. I have considered this memorial carefully in consultation with the Lord Advocate. I am advised, however, that district councils have no power to contribute from their funds towards the expenses of a District Councils Association.

Is not the Minister aware that that is just the point? The district councils have the right to send delegates to a conference of district councils, but nobody has the power to call such a conference at which they may assert their rights. Will the Minister arrange for such power to exist, because it is no use giving district councils the right to send delegates to conferences if no power exists to call a conference?

I sympathise with my hon. Friend's point, but that suggestion requires legislation. I am looking into it, but that is where the matter must stand at the moment.