HC Deb 07 April 1971 vol 815 cc429-30
15. Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on its discussions with local authorities regarding the level of future expenditure.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I discussed with the local authority associations the matters covered in my Report on the Rate Support Grant (Scotland) Order, 1971, which we debated in this House on 16th March, and I am about to issue a circular drawing the attention of local authorities to the report.

Mr. Douglas

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that the rate support grant does not cover housing subsidies? Will he, therefore, in his subsequent meetings, draw to the attention of the local authorities the fact that the figure of housing subsidies in the 1970s will be £230 million, which will have to be spread over both the public and the private sectors, and that the total effect will be less public housing in Scotland?

Mr. Campbell

I do not necessarily accept the hon. Gentleman's hypothesis but my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Development is engaged in consultations with the local authorities on the whole question of housing finance.