HC Deb 16 April 1969 vol 781 cc247-8W
39. Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in what circumstances the increase in planned growth by local authorities in Scotland, in 1969–70, will be restricted to 1 per cent., in view of the 3½ per cent. increase in expenditure embodied in the Rate Support Grant Order, as foreseen in the Scottish Development Department circular of 7th March.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

The amount of growth available will depend on the level of local authorities' expenditure in 1968–69. As my right hon. Friend explained in the debate on the Rate Support Grant Order, local authorities have anticipated in 1968–69 some of the growth allowed for by the Government: as a result the permissible increase next year could be between 1 and 2.6 per cent., in real terms.