§ 2. Mr. Doigasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give his approval to Scottish local authorities to make contributions to the Warren Springs Laboratory in Stevenage.
The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Mr. Bruce Milan)Provided contributions do not exceed the limit specified in Section 83 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, my approval is not required.
§ Mr. DoigI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, because some of the officials in my local authority are under the misapprehension that they are not allowed to make contributions. This laboratory investigates obnoxious smells which are a source of serious concern in two sections of my constituency. The first concerns an industrial factory near a housing scheme. The second concerns a corporation tip, also near a considerable number of houses. It is a serious problem for them, and they will be grateful to know that they can now contribute.
Mr. MilianI need add nothing to what I have said. We have not invited local authorities to contribute because we are not inviting them to take on additional expenditure for any particular matter; but, of course, they have full powers to do this if they so wish.