Scotsman Archive: Government control of local affairs, 5 December, 1947

Published on Friday 4 December 2009 22:10

"RUSH" legislation and increasing government control in local affairs were subjects of Progressive protests at the meeting of Edinburgh Town Council yesterday.

The Local Government Bill to which the Town Council are presenting 13 objections was the cause of lively discussion. In this connection Mr Robert Bell brought forward an amendment in favour of flat-rate payment for councillors and not on a sessional basis, as cutting down expense and time of the Corporation officials. They were entitled to complain, said Mr Bell, about the way in which this Bill and others were being rushed through. They had not had time to consider these Bills. Were the Government afraid of criticism of local authorities?

"Socialists," added Mr Bell, "regard themselves as democrats and are showing the methods of the dictator." It was decided by 33 votes to 22 to add Mr Bell's proposal as against "No action," proposed by Mr W P Earsman, to the Council's representations.

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