HC Deb 17 June 1997 vol 296 cc102-3
5. Mr. Maude

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of Scottish local government revenue support in the current year. [2333]

Mr. Chisholm

The 1997–98 local government finance settlement set the level of non-housing revenue support at £5,256.7 million.

Mr. Maude

Will the Minister confirm that that estimate includes provision for a full inquiry into alleged corruption in Glasgow, Govan?

Mr. Chisholm

That is not the issue in that money. The people of Glasgow of course have the right to expect the highest standards of conduct, and that is precisely what they will get. We are looking forward to the Nolan committee's report on aspects of local government.

Mr. Gorrie

In the light of information that the Minister now has, do the Government want to continue to support the spending plans that they inherited from the previous Government, as they said they would before the election, with regard to local government? He must be aware of the great concern among many people in Scottish local government that the money available for next year will not allow them to provide adequate services.

Mr. Chisholm

The hon. Gentleman knows full well that we made it clear during the election that we would keep within the levels of inherited expenditure for two years. Having made the promise, we shall deliver it. Of course, the settlement was tight and we realise that it will cause difficulties next year, but we made the promise and we shall carry it through.