§ Mr. J. J. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement about an increase' in the amount of grant authorised by the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Act, 1944.
§ Mr. WestwoodThe Government propose, as soon as the Parliamentary timetable permits, to introduce legislation to increase the amount of grants authorised by the Act. It may take some time before legislation can be introduced and in the meantime, after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I propose to open discussions with local authorities to see to what extent, in order to enable a beginning to be made with additional urgent schemes, it would be necessary to promise assistance in excess of the authority given by the Act, subject to Parliamentary approval of any actual disbursements.