§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons were convicted of crimes of violence in 1974; by what percentage this figure exceeds or is less than the comparable figure 10 years previously; and if he has any indication of the trend of crimes of violence in the current year.
§ Mr. William Ross:There were 1,259 persons convicted of crimes of violence in 1974. This figures exceeds the comparable 726W figure—990—in 1964 by 27.2 per cent.
Present indications are that the figures of crimes of violence for 1975 will show an increase over those for 1974 though interpretation of this year's figures is complicated by the re-organisation of police forces.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the forthcoming rate increases in Scotland.
§ Mr. William Ross:Rate poundages declared for almost all Scottish authorities for 1975–76 reflect an increase in overall rate income of approximately 30 per cent. above that for 1974–75. In some areas, for example where rate poundages were held down in 1974–75 by expending balances, or where the grant arrangements have hitherto been very favourable, the percentage increases were bound to be considerable, despite the cushioning effect of the Government's transitional rating and grant distribution arrangements. I had hoped that the total rated for would not be more than 10 per cent. higher than in 1974–75—the equivalent of 25 per cent. for a full year—but most authorities have budgeted for expenditure in excess of what the Government consider acceptable and have rated to meet the excess. I have urged all authorities to hold actual expenditure to the lowest practicable level, so that part of this year's rate income can be applied to holding down rate levels in 1976–77.