§ 15. Mr. James Lamondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of Scottish local government expenditure is met from central Government funds.
§ Mr. William RossIn 1974–75, some 65 per cent. of net expenditure falling to be met from rating accounts, and some 68 per cent. of total net current expenditure falling to be met from rating, housing and trading accounts.
§ Mr. LamondWill my right hon. Friend accept that my constituents will hear of that answer with envy because the figure is considerably in excess of the figure for England? Will he make it plain to the Scottish electorate that it is in a very happy position under the present arrangements and would be most unwise to accept either complete separation from the United Kingdom or even the Government's modest devolution proposals?
§ Mr. RossI listened with interest to what my hon. Friend said. There is nothing worse than a Scottish poacher who becomes an English gamekeeper. I hope that Councillor Lamond of Aberdeen entirely agrees.
§ Mr. LamondI agree with her.
§ Mr. RossThere are considerable historic reasons for the difference. If my hon. Friend had met the ratepayers' association and the protest group which came to see me last year, he might have appreciated how strong are the feelings about rate increases in Scotland.
§ Mr. Gordon WilsonWhat proportions of the Scottish oil revenues will go into the United Kingdom's Treasury to finance and subsidise English extravagance?
§ Mr. RossThe revenues from the British oilfields will go into the United Kingdom Treasury. It is that sort of thing that will enable us to give help in the places that need it most. If the hon. Gentleman were more objective and looked at the situation in parts of England, such as in the area represented by my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham, East (Mr. Lamond), a former Lord Provost of Aberdeen, he would see that parts of Scotland are very much better off than many parts of England.