asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in what proportion local government expenditure was met by Exchequer grants, local rates, and other sources, for the years 1954, 1955, and 1956.

As the Answer contains a table of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in accordance with Section 298 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1947, he is under a statutory obligation to lay before both Houses of Parliament every year an annual summary of the Scottish local authorities' financial returns? Is he further aware that this Question would not have appeared on the Paper had he not been in default on the statutory provisions in so far as he has not laid a summary of the statements for the last six years?

That does not arise evidently out of the Question on the Paper. I would ask the hon. Gentleman to put down another Question.

The figures are as follows:

NOTES:

1. Income exceeded expenditure in 1953–54 and 1954–55, and was less than expenditure in 1955–56.

2. The figures relate to the total expenditure of the local authorities including revenue-producing undertakings.

3. Income from other sources include payments in lieu of rates by railway and electricity undertakings under Part V of the Local Government Act, 1948.