HC Deb 24 July 1913 vol 55 cc2220-1
79. Major HOPE

asked if there is any agreement with the Treasury that, in respect of Grants in aid of local expenditure, Scotland should be entitled to £11 for every £80 which England and Wales receive?

Mr. MCKINNON WOOD

Owing to the differing circumstances there is, and can be, no universal rule relating to Grants for local expenditure.

Major HOPE

If there is no complication involved with other previous Grants, is the proportion of eleven to eighty-eight the correct proportion Scotland should receive?

Mr. MCKINNON WOOD

It is an approximate figure, which is sometimes used as a criterion.

80. Major HOPE

asked, if the Grant in aid of education of defective children in England and Wales is to be increased by £155,000, what proportionate Grant Scotland should receive in aid of the same object?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

As regards defective children, the Treasury have agreed that the same Grants shall be given in Scotland as in England so far as the conditions are the same.

Major HOPE

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that £21,300 is the correct proportion of £155,000?

Mr. MCKINNON WOOD

It is not a question of proportion, but of giving Grants per ca pita.

Sir WALTER MENZIES

Is it not the case that £21,000 is the fair proportion of the Grant 'Scotland should get if England gets a Grant of £155,000?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I do not think I can assent to the basis of that calculation, but as a calculation it is approximately correct.