HC Deb 01 May 1963 vol 676 cc1065-6
26. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the cost to local authorities, and other public bodies, of providing roads, water, power, houses, schools, medical facilities and transport in connection with the pulp and paper mill development at Fort William.

Mr. Noble

Identifiable extra investment in roads, water and sewerage, houses, and schools will be about £2½ million. No major items of extra investment in power or medical facilities are foreseen, and I have no figure for investment in railways.

Mr. Willis

This is a very large sum and the rateable value in these areas is, of course, very low. Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to consider further assistance to local authorities or is he prepared even to look at Clause 9 of the present Local Government (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Bill which penalises development areas where populations are increasing?

Mr. Noble

The hon. Gentleman may be interested to know that the annual cost of 166 new houses to the Burgh of Fort William is estimated at approximately £5,300, as compared with housing and Exchequer equalisation grants totalling £19,000. The corresponding figure for Inverness County Council is, for 420 houses, a cost to the council of £8,500 per annum, with grants of £45,000. The Government are bearing a very fair share.