§ 9. Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what rate increases have been notified to him for the financial year 1971–72 for the cities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow; and what percentage increase is represented over the previous year.
§ Mr. YoungerSo far as I am aware, no rate poundages for 1971–72 have yet been fixed by the corporations.
§ Mr. HughesWill the hon. Gentleman indicate whether he expects the rate increases in Scotland to average 14 per cent., as in England and Wales? If that is so, does he agree that his failure to act will be one of a great number of broken pledges that he gave the ratepayers of Scotland?
§ Mr. YoungerWe have no information at this stage to forecast what rate increases may be, but I have on several 425 occasions made it clear that I hope very much that local authorities, in planning their rate requirements for the coming year, will bear in mind the necessity not to raise any further revenue than they absolutely need.