§ Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what increases he has made in housing cost yardsticks in Scotland since June, 1970; whether he is considering a further increase; and what were the comparable increases in England.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellSince June, 1970, the Scottish housing indicative costs have been increased on three occasions, in October, 1970, April, 1971, and October, 1971. The increase overall has amounted to about 19 per cent. The indicative costs are kept under continuous review and will be further revised as necessary.
Increases in the housing yardstick costs for England and Wales in the same period 435W have been made at different times and, I understand, on a different basis; no direct comparison is therefore possible.