HC Deb 13 July 1983 vol 45 c875
15. Mr. Craigen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he is having with local authorities in Scotland over future central Government contributions towards the funding of local government services.

Mr. Younger

I have already met the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities twice this year about rate support grant, and further meetings will take place. My hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for home affairs and the environment will meet the convention in September to discuss housing support grant and related issues.

Mr. Craigen

Bearing in mind the considerable and intricate control which the Secretary of State now seems to exercise over local authorities, what does he think local authorities are now best able to do which could not be done simply by civil servants and the House?

Mr. Younger

That is a completely distorted picture of the facts. I thought that the hon. Gentleman knew that many sectors of life, including all businesses and some families, have had to take some cognisance of the fact that we have been going through an extremely difficult recession. I am simply trying to persuade local authorities to play their part in helping the country to survive.