§ 33. Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what increase there has been in the time taken either within his Departments or by local authorities in the progressin of plans for public expenditure in development districts.
§ Mr. RossNone, so far as I know. If the right hon. Gentleman has any evidence to the contrary, I should like to examine it.
§ Mr. NobleWill not the Secretary of State agree that there are many cases in the Highlands and other areas where people believe, rightly or wrongly, that delays have taken place? Will he give the House a clear assurance that this method of delaying the planning of future works is not being encouraged by his Department, through the local authorities?
§ Mr. RossI certainly give the right hon. Gentleman that assurance, but if he has any evidence about any of these cases where it is believed that some people think something or other, surely it would be far better if he were to bring them to me.
§ Mr. ManuelCan my right hon. Friend inform the House whether there has been a stepping up or a falling back in local authority activities connected with loan sanctions granted this year?
§ Mr. RossIf we go by the figures, we see that within the first nine months of the year loan sanctions have amounted to about £120 million, as against the figure for the first nine months of last year of £105 million. There is, therefore, no indication of a falling away.