HC Deb 26 February 1976 vol 906 cc321-2W
Mr. Small

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for bringing into operation the remainder of

EXPENDITURE
1974–75 £ 1975–76 (estimated) £
Subsidies and capital grants and loans to shipping operators under the Highlands and Islands Shipping Services Act 1960 1,102,244 4,343,000
Grants and loans for transport piers and terminals under the Congested Districts (Scotland) Act 1897 and the Local Employment Act 1972 2,139,792 2,566,685
TOTAL 3,242,036 6,909,685

Expenditure on subsidies and capital assistance to shipping operators represents £11.8 in 1974–75 and £46.5 in 1975–76 per head of population of the Scottish islands: the equivalent figures for grants and loans for terminals are £22.9 and £27.5 giving totals of £34.7 for 1974.75 and £74 for 1975–76.

In addition, the Government are giving substantial assistance through rate support grant to expenditure by local the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971, including the provisions regarding the new summary cause procedure.

Mr. William Ross

After consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate, I have made a Commencement Order bringing into operation on 1st September 1976, the remainder of the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 including the provisions regarding the new summary cause procedure. The new summary cause will replace the existing small debt and summary cause procedures. It is the Government's view that the level of £250 for the new procedure and the privative jurisdiction of the sheriff court recommended by the Grant Committee on the Sheriff Court in its Report—Cmnd. 3248—issued in 1967 and given effect in the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 is now out of date. The Government intend to promote an Order in Council raising the level to £500.