HC Deb 17 July 1991 vol 195 cc198-9W
27. Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the revenue support grant of Lothian regional council.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Lothian regional council's revenue support grant for 1992–93 will be determined entirely according to the principles of grant allocation jointly agreed with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities through the distribution committee of the working party on local government finance. These principles are reviewed each year, incorporating, where appropriate, changes in service delivery nationally and improved information sources, to achieve the fairest possible distribution of the available Government support. Claims that the Government treat Lothian unfairly in terms of grant distribution are accordingly absolute nonsense.

36. Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the outcome of his intervention to reduce the budget of Lothian regional council.

Mr. Allan Stewart

My right hon. Friend withdrew his proposal to reduce Lothian's 1991–92 personal community charge by £50 after the council agreed to a voluntary reduction of £37.