§ 3. Mr. Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps to encourage local authorities to make a 50 per cent. reduction in rates upon sports grounds and buildings occupied by amateur sports clubs.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonMy right hon. Friend has no reason to think that there is any need for a general approach, but he hopes that local authorities will use their discretionary power to reduce or remit rates in appropriate cases.
§ Mr. MonroMy Question asked the Secretary of State to encourage local authorities in this matter. Is the Under-Secretary aware that many amateur sports clubs—and I am thinking particularly of the Border rugby clubs—must pay over £200 a year in rates and that some encouragement given to them by the Scottish office might help clubs which are in dire need of financial assistance?
§ Dr. MabonThis is very much a local matter on which my right hon. Friend has not asked local authorities for a return. Very few complaints have been received since the power to reduce rates was given to local authorities in the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act, 1962. While I am not suggesting that this applies in the instance which the hon. Gentleman cited, I think that if he reflects on the matter he will see that in some cases a number of sports clubs are reasonably well off, that not all of them have been willing to open their doors freely and that local authorities have no doubt taken that into account.