31. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to include central heating as an improvement qualifying for grant aid under the scheme for modernising old houses.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonWhere the installation of central heating is an incidental part of work to bring a house up to the full improved standard for an extended life, my right hon. Friend is now prepared to allow for grant the cost of installing a reasonable amount of central heating.
Earl of DalkeithI thank the hon. Gentleman for that very encouraging answer. Does he think that property owners are sometimes inhibited from carrying out this form of desirable improvement because of the fear that they will have their rate levy increased?
§ Dr. MabonThat is something which is endemic in the Scottish system, as it is in the English system, and there is no way round the problem.