HC Deb 23 May 1973 vol 857 cc444-5
9. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will issue guidance to local authorities on the implementation of Section 111 of the Financial Provisions (Scotland) Act.

Mr. Younger

This was done last summer.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it has been brought to my notice that different local authorities are putting different interpretations on this scheme? Is it the case that the Minister has concurred that people filling in rent rebate scheme forms do not need to say where their investment or deposit accounts are, but have only to report the interest they receive, and that it is on the basis of that interest that a decision is made whether to grant a rent rebate? Will the Minister make sure that local authorities are conforming to the regulations which he is reported to have given to them? If he has not done so, will he say why not?

Mr. Younger

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it is interest that is received from any investment that is taken into account in assessments for rent rebate, and not any capital sum. I have had no complaints that local authorities are not correctly interpreting the advice and instructions given to them about dealing with rent rebate forms, but I shall be glad to look into any matters which the hon. Member may care to raise with me.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

As regards the operation of this and other sections of the Act, may I ask whether, as no statutory return is made of the number of people in receipt of allowances, particularly in the private sector, the Minister will consider an inquiry to monitor how the scheme is progressing so that we can assess the real effects of the Act?

Mr. Younger

It is desirable that we should have as much information as possible about the number of people receiving rebates and allowances of various kinds. It is early days yet to think of making a full inquiry into the matter, but if there is difficulty in getting information about this from local authorities I shall be prepared to look into the question of how we can get better information for the benefit of Opposition Members.