§ 6. Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what grant it is proposed to make towards the proposed sewerage and sewage disposal scheme for the burgh of Kirkintilloch.
Commander GalbraithThe local authority's application is under the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, but in the present financial situation grants under that Act for the improvement of basic services are not being awarded.
§ Mr. BenceIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this scheme was accepted, that the Burgh of Kirkintilloch were permitted to go ahead with it and have done a lot of preparatory work, and that they were held up by the previous Government in the period before the grants were being refused? In view of the fact that the seheme was accepted before the withdrawal of the grants, will the Minister consider making a grant?
Commander GalbraithNo, Sir, I cannot do that because the Kirkintilloch Town Council were not committed to expend the money which would justify the grant being given.
§ Mr. McInnesCan the Minister say why the grants are not being made and whether this practice is general throughout Great Britain as a whole, or is just another illustration of confining it solely to Scotland?
Commander GalbraithCertainly not. It applies throughout the country, and in that connection I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Budget speech of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor on 11th March last.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the Minister saying that this is not a necessary sewerage scheme, and are we to understand that essential schemes of this nature are likely to be held up because of some false economy in refusing to make grants?
Commander GalbraithNo, Sir. The burgh can go ahead with that portion of the scheme which in the meantime would be sufficient for their needs, instead of going ahead with the whole scheme.