8. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will adjust the grants to residents of houses affected by clean air Orders, particularly where the total cost of conforming with the provisions of the orders exceeds £100.
§ Mr. RossThe standard grant is seven-tenths of the approved cost, but where a local authority thinks fit it has a discretion to pay all or part of the balance.
Mr. TaylorWhile I appreciate what the right hon. Gentleman has said, may 1167 I ask whether he does not agree that the general practice of Scottish local authorities is to pay a grant similar to that of the Government? While in general, in the areas covered by these Orders, the average total cost of conversion is under £40, in the King's Park and Croft-foot area of my constituency the contribution of the residents will have to be more than £40 towards the total cost of £112. As hardship is involved, will the right hon. Gentleman look at the grant structure?
§ Mr. RossThe structure is quite clear. The standard grant is 70 per cent. of the cost, and 40 per cent. is borne by the Government and 30 per cent. by the local authority. There is discretion for the local authorities to pay more, and I understand that they decide in respect of this on the question of hardship. If hardship is proved and a further grant is paid, then the addition is met by the Government and the local authority in the same proportions.
§ Miss Harvie AndersonWill the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Minister of Power the necessity for ensuring that adequate fuel stocks are available in the area before the Order becomes effective?