HC Deb 20 February 1963 vol 672 cc422-3
8. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that unemployment in the Lewis and Harris area is now over 30 per cent. he will offer to assist financially the county councils of Ross and Cromarty and Inverness in speeding up their programme of roads, water supply and other basic services.

Mr. Leburn

My right hon. Friend is, of course anxious that these authorities should expedite their programmes. Grants will be payable under the normal structure, which includes certain special arrangements for the Highland counties.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the Under-Secretary aware that we are anxious because we think that the grant will be paid only at the usual speed? Is he aware, as I have emphasised, that year after year the figure for unemployment in this area reaches the 30 per cent. mark, which represents a tragedy for the people in the area, and that the Government are not making any real effort to solve the problem? Is he aware that there is available a five-year programme of public works which could wipe out unemployment for several years to come if the Government had the will to put it into operation?

Mr. Leburn

Of course we are concerned about unemployment. I can only tell the hon. Gentleman that, following the discussions we had the other day, I have been in touch with the county surveyors in both the counties.

Mr. MacMillan

I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr John MacLeod

Can the Under-Secretary say what is the level of all grants paid in the Highland counties at the present time?

Mr. Leburn

Taking specific grants, the equalisation grant and the general grant, the relevant local expenditure in 1962–63 was at the rate of 80 per cent. in Ross and Cromarty and 71 per cent. for Inverness-shire.