§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his letter of 4 February to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Maryhill concerning the excess payment of rates by three constituents as the result of an error of survey in the valuation of their houses by the assessor, what guidance he gives to rating authorities concerning repayment using the general statutory powers in sections 69 and 83 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and section 20 of the 409W Local Government (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1963.
§ Mr. YoungerGuidance in this respect would not be appropriate. As explained in my hon. Friend's letter of 4 February to the hon. Member, it is for each local authority to decide on the basis of its legal advice whether to act under these general powers.