§ 34. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assistance he proposes to give to local authorities in Temote areas whose housing costs are above the top band on the new scale of subsidies.
§ Mr. MaclayWhere I am satisfied that the cost of houses in a particular scheme necessarily exceeds the maximum of the top band, the rate of subsidy will be calculated by adding to the rate for that band an allowance for the excess cost.
§ Mr. GrimondLocal authorities will be glad to hear that, because I understand that it is an improvement on the Secretary of State's previous proposal. Apart from the general housing difficulties in the far North, it appears that the new policy, at any rate as it was interpreted, involved reducing the grants in aid on schemes already completed. If that had been enforced it would have been a breach of faith with the local authorities.
§ Mr. MaclayI should have to look into that. I could not reply to the detail of it without notice.
§ Mr. John MacLeodMay I draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the fact that in my own constituency we are very worried that he has separated site costs and housing costs? Why has he done this?
§ Mr. MaclayThat is another point of detail which I shall be glad to look into and write to my hon. Friend about.