§ 15. Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number and cost of local authority schemes for which he refuses to make a grant.
§ Mr. J. StuartI understand that the hon. Member has in mind sewerage and sewage disposal schemes under the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945. Since the Government's decision in 1952 to discontinue the award of grant for such schemes, 15 applications for schemes estimated to cost £1,600,000 have been refused.
§ Mr. BenceIs the Minister aware that the burgh of Kirkintilloch submitted a scheme which was accepted by the Scottish Office, that nearly £1,000 has been spent in preparing plans, but that a grant is not to be made? Is he aware that there is considerable indignation in 10 the burgh because a grant cannot be obtained for a scheme planned so many years ago?
§ Mr. StuartI can assure the hon. Member that the burgh has benefited considerably from the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Scotland Act, 1954, under which it has received an Exchequer equalisation grant of 33 per cent. of its relevant local expenditure. This should materially assist the burgh.