§ 15 Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of capital projects in Scotland which are being slowed down in response to his circular letter to local authorities drawing attention to the Chancellor's state ment of 27th July; and what is the total value of these projects.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonLocal authorities are not required to report to my right hon. Friend all projects which they have decided to defer.
§ Mr. MacArthurIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the very wide interest in 1126 these matters? Will he take some action to find out whether the Secretary of State's request for cuts is being observed by local authorities? Will he recognise that the Chancellor's statement in July and the Secretary of State's circular represented major changes in policy and that the House wishes to know what cuts are being made in Scotland?
§ Dr. MabonThe answer to the first part of that supplementary question is, yes, to the second part, yes, and to the third part, no. In exemplification I would point out that the total borrowing in the three months August, September and October, apart from houses and schools, of course, was £8.3 million compared with £12.9 million in April, May and June. Without a disproportionate amount of work it would be impossible to give a complete list, although I recognise the hon. Gentleman's interest in the matter.