HL Deb 27 January 1977 vol 379 cc627-8

3.12 p.m.

Lord CAMPBELL of CROY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a Statement on the inquiry into the failure of Dumbarton District Council to raise standard rents of council houses, thereby losing Government grant and adding to the already excessive burden on their rate-payers.

The MINISTER of STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (Lord Kirkhill)

My Lords, the matter is currently under investigation by the Commission for Local Authority Accounts in Scotland following the submission to them of a special report by the Controller of Audit. It may then come to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland for decision. I am therefore not in a position to make a statement at this stage.

Lord CAMPBELL of CROY

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for informing the House of the latest position. Does the noble Lord recognise that this is a serious situation, and that it is also a test case of the effectiveness of the present legislation? With the rent rebate scheme introduced five years ago, does the noble Lord agree that there cannot be any justification whatever for placing this intolerable burden on the rates there, now estimated to be the highest in the country?

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, I would not at this stage care to comment on the observations which the noble Lord, Lord Campbell of Croy, has just made to your Lordships' House. I can say that the Commission intend to hold a public hearing tomorrow, 28th January.

The Earl of SELKIRK

My Lords, can the noble Lord say whether any other cases are under examination at the present time?

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, that is another question.

Lord CAMPBELL of CROY

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that there was a crowded meeting of ratepayers in the area last night and that they look to the Government for support for due redress? Is he also aware that this is a disincentive to industry, which is much needed in that area?

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, as I have explained to the House, the Commission may well report to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. In the circumstances, I cannot be expected to say more in your Lordships' House than I have already this afternoon.

Lord HAILSHAM of SAINT MARY-LEBONE

My Lords, cannot the noble Lord give us an assurance that if they continue to disobey the law there will not be a repetition of the Clay Cross scandal?

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, I am not aware at this stage that anyone has broken the law.