§ 5. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the reduced valuation caused by de-rating is preventing certain local authorities from embarking upon schemes of work for the unemployed, and that from the same cause the building of houses will be retarded in many areas; and what steps he proposes to take to facilitate the provision of work for the unemployed?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONI agree with the hon. Member that the grant to compensate for de-rating does not take account of fresh 1171 rate burdens but, so far, my right hon. Friend has no information to show that de-rating hag to any material extent tended to prevent Scottish local authorities from undertaking schemes of work for the unemployed, or has at all affected the progress of housing schemes. In any event, he is not in a position to promise legislation on the subject of de-rating in the near future.
§ Mr. HARDIEIf I provide the information of a certain local authority being in the position indicated in the question, will my hon. Friend seek measures in order to destroy the power that does that?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONMy right hon. Friend will be very pleased indeed if the hon. Gentleman will supply us with information on that point.
§ Sir ROBERT HAMILTONMay I ask if he will also consider an instance of this which I can give him in regard to the Burgh of Lerwick?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONCertainly. I have always said that, if hon. Members have any information, we shall be very glad to have it.
§ Mr. SKELTONDoes the hon. Gentleman propose to answer the last part of the question?