asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is considering the present Scottish rating system, with a view of introducing legislation to amend it.

I regret that in present circumstances I can hold out no prospect of legislation on the Scottish rating system.

Is it not a fact that the English question, together with the system of block grants, is coming up for review quite soon, and is not that a suitable opportunity for considering the Scottish question, which, under the present system, and with the Rent Restriction Act, is making it impossible to keep many houses in Scotland in a proper state of repair?

All I can say is that, when the block grants are being considered for England, the block grants will be considered for Scotland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no one will be more disappointed with his reply than his predecessor in office, whose views are fundamentally different from the policy of the present Government, and is the reason for the decision lack of courage or the fact that legislation for England is being pressed to the detriment of Scotland?

I do not know what the hon. and gallant Gentleman means by his reference to my predecessor. My immediate predecessor is now a member of another place.

Will my right hon. Friend undertake to revise the answer he has given, because it is the same answer that has been given for the last 22 years?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is intended to embody in future legislation the main recommendations of the Walker Committee's Report n Water Rating in Scotland; and if he will give an indication when such legislation may be introduced.

I am general agreement with the main recommendations in the Committee's Report, but I am not yet in a position to say when legislation can he introduced.

While expressing appreciation of the assurance which my right hon. Friend has given, may I ask him if he is aware that, while awaiting legislation, many or the local authorities in Scotland may still find themselves in financial difficulties if they proceed with the new water schemes which are so badly needed?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the recommendations of the Committee on Legal Aid and Legal Advice in Scotland; and if he proposes to take any action thereon.

I am considering, in consultation with my right hon Friend the Lord Advocate, the recommendations made in the Report of the Cameron Committee, and discussions are now proceeding with representatives of the legal profession with a view to preparing a scheme of legal aid and legal advice in the light of the Committee's recommendations.

In preparing this scheme, will my right hon. Friend keep before him the proposals of the Muir Society on this important question?

May I ask whether this scheme will be ready for legislation next year, because it would be rather nice to have some useful legislation next year?

All I can say is that all the legislation submitted to this House by this Government is useful legislation.

Will not my right hon. Friend indicate whether or not he will keep the proposals of the Muir Society before him in dealing with the Cameron Report?

I assure my hon. Friend that we will give full consideration to all proposals when dealing with this matter.