HC Deb 03 March 1976 vol 906 cc1291-2
6. Mr. Lambie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the previous local authorities in the Cunninghame District Council area left credit balances in their rating accounts.

Mr. Millan

I understand that the accounts have not yet been closed.

Mr. Lambie

According to the local Press last week, large deficits have been left by previous local authorities to Cunninghame District Council. Will my right hon. Friend guarantee that extra supplementary grant will be given to Cunninghame District Council in order to help local ratepayers?

Mr. Millan

I do not read the local Press in the Cunninghame district. Whether or not its report is accurate, the fact is that it is fairly common in other parts of Scotland for debit balances to have been left to the new authorities, and there can be no special assistance for that reason.