HC Deb 10 November 1953 vol 520 cc766-7
39. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to make known the formula on which the additional Exchequer Equalisation Grants will be allocated in Scotland.

Mr. J. Stuart

I hope to lay a White Paper and introduce a Bill on this subject tomorrow.

Mr. McInnes

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate that the additional sum of £2 million which has become available will be allocated to the local authorities during their current financial year? Furthermore, since it is now admitted that the previous formula was wrong, will he undertake to make retrospective payments to the local authorities who have received nothing?

Mr. Stuart

I cannot undertake retrospective payment. The present Government are not responsible for the error to which the hon. Member refers. I believe that the payment will operate from the beginning of the current year.