§ 17. Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the net capital allocations for the housing revenue accounts for Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen district councils for the current financial year.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe net housing revenue account capital allocations for 1988–89 are £7.340 million for Edinburgh, £58.828 million for Glasgow, £8.095 million for Dundee and £10.506 million for Aberdeen. Councils may also utilise the actual capital receipts which they generate within the financial year.
§ Mr. GriffithsWill the Minister explain why he refused to meet an all-party deputation from Edinburgh district council, which wished to voice its concern about the housing benefit changes that have had such a traumatic effect on the lives of so many pensioners and others in Edinburgh?
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI have visited Edinburgh district council within the last few weeks, when I was made fully aware of the problems. I do not recall that particular point being an issue, but it will be fully debated later this afternoon. What council members were worried about was the rate at which council house sales might be carried out, and I hope that I was able to reassure them.
§ Mr. WilsonWill the Minister give an assurance that tomorrow he will meet a delegation of tenants from Cunninghame district, who are coming to lobby and to express their deep anxieties about Scottish Homes and various other aspects of housing policy? Will he come face to face with people's real and legitimate concerns?
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI have attended meetings of tenants, and I recently addressed the Scottish tenants' organisation in Glasgow. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to meet me and put specific points, I shall certainly meet him. I leave it at that.