§ Mr. Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of Her Majesty's Government's new policy, what legislative or other proposals he has to ensure there will be no further increase in rates in Scotland within the next 12 months.
§ Mr. RossI have just issued a circular to local authorities inviting them to consider very carefully proposals for increased expenditure which would lead to any undue increase in rates. The Local Government (Scotland) Bill increases the General Grant payment this year by £700,000; and a General Grant Increase Order will be required later this year to meet some increased costs including teachers' salaries.