HC Deb 31 January 1968 vol 757 cc1334-5
18. Mr. Hugh D. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what examination he has made of the financial and social burdens falling on exporting local authorities under overspill agreements; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

At present Glasgow is the only Scottish exporting authority. A continuing examination of the complex financial problems and social consequences is proceeding both within the Government and in conjunction with the Corporation of the city of Glasgow, the local authority associations and a number of other bodies.

Mr. Brown

Does my hon. Friend recognise that he has my support in his sympathetic approach to Glasgow, even though the rate support grant exercise has been a failure? In the light of the persistent political prejudice against Glasgow Corporation on behalf of commercial undertakings, which suggest that it is only due to a low rent policy, will my hon. Friend agree to set up a high-powered independent committee to examine the social and financial implications of overspill?

Dr. Mabon

On the second point, my hon. Friend will know what I said in response to a question asked by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor). That is a separate matter which is being studied by Ministers presently in the light of facts and points submitted to them on the 1st and 14th December. On the second point, my hon. Friend is wrong in saying that the adjustment of the rate support grant has failed. This matter is still being discussed with the local authority associations among themselves in the working party which has met at St. Andrews House several times this month and which will continue its meetings until later this year, when it can make recommendations. As for the meetings of Glasgow Corporation, I think that they begin on 22nd March for the purpose of discussing this. If my hon. Friend wants any figures, which are complex, I shall be happy to write to him.