§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount in grants paid to the island councils of (a) Orkney and (b) Shetland in the last financial year.
§ Mr. YoungerThe total amount of grants paid to Orkney Islands council by my Departments in 1981–82 was £8.6 million and to Shetland Islands council £12.2 million. This includes not only rate support grant and housing support grant but also subsidies for rent and rates and certain other capital grants.
§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an estimate of the proportion of the expenditure of (a) the Orkney Islands council and (b) the Shetland Islands council paid for by grants from the Exchequer.
§ Mr. YoungerOn the basis of the latest available information, total current expenditure (including loan charges) relevant for rate support grant and housing support grant incurred in 1981–82 by Orkney Islands council was £144.1 million and by Shetland Islands council £34.2 million. The total grant paid in respect of that expenditure by the Secretary of State for Scotland was £84.1 million to Orkney Islands council (57 per cent.) and £114.7 million to Shetland Islands council (34 per cent.)