HC Deb 02 March 1971 vol 812 cc422-4W
Mr. Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to make a statement on his review of the levels of building grant and loan available to crofters.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

In the light of the general increase in costs since this assistance was last revised I propose that the grants, which are at the rate of one-half of the approved cost of skilled labour and materials, should be increased in the case of new houses from the present maximum of £800 to £1,200 and in the case of house improvements from £500 to £750. The maximum grant for the erection and improvement of steading buildings will also go up from £500 to £750. The maximum loan which can be obtained to supplement grant will now be £2,200 instead of £1,500.

The new maxima will be operative from 4th March, 1971, and will be available to new applicants as well as to anyone who has already been offered assistance but has not yet started work. I hope that this additional aid will give fresh impetus to the improvement of crofter housing.