asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that public assistance scales in Scotland were framed a number of years ago when the cost of living was considerably lower, and that in practically no instance have they been raised to meet changed conditions; and whether he will take steps to get the scales increased and brought into line with the many English towns which have so raised them?

I understand that a number of local authorities in Scotland are actively considering public assistance allowances in relation to any rise in the cost of living and that some of them have adopted arrangements by which allowances are revised automatically as the cost of living index varies. Scales of relief, although used by some local authorities as a guide to administration, are not recognised by the Scottish Poor Law Acts, and I have no power to prescribe them.

In view of the rapid increase in the cost of living and of the difficulties confronting many families, will the right hon. Gentleman not recommend local authorities in Scotland that all of them should take this matter up, with a view to increasing the allowances?

Perhaps I might add that I am taking steps to inquire as to what is being done by the local authorities in Scotland in this matter.