§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the fact that the expense of clearing oil pollution from beaches falls inequitably on different authorities depending on their population, he will review the present arrangement for financial assistance to local authorities for this purpose; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ross:I see no need to alter the present arrangements which, like those for many other Government grants, are related to expenditure. They do not preclude the payment of grant exceeding 50 per cent. in a major emergency.