Major WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the grant in respect of the derating of harbours under the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, is to be used to reduce harbour dues or in aid of local rates; and whether instructions are being issued to guide town councils who are also habour authorities as to the utilisation of the grant?
Mr. W. ADAMSONThe block grant to the extent to which it includes an amount equal to losses on account of rates (including rates on harbours) will be paid to rating authorities and applied by them to meet expenditure which otherwise would have been met out. of rates. If the hon. and gallant Member has in mind the disposal of the rate-relief to harbour authorities in consequence of derating, I would refer him to Section 136 of the English Local Government Act, which applies also to Scotland, for the law as to the transmission of the benefit of such relief. I do not propose to issue instructions on the matter.