Mr. W. H. K. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has completed his review of crofter housing costs ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe purpose of my review was to determine the extent to which building costs have risen in the crofting areas since the last increase in grant and loan assistance available to crofters for the erection of new houses. In the light of the results of this review I have decided to increase the grant for a new house, which is at the rate of one-half of the approved cost of labour and material, from the present maximum of £1,200 to £2,300. I also propose that the maximum loan which is available
Capital Programme Central Government Local Authorities Public Corporations Total Central Government Current Local Authorities Total Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry 0.6 0.2 — 0.8 0.2 — 0.2 Trade, Industry and Employment — — — — 0.2 — 0.2 Nationalised Industries — — 0.9 0.9 — — — Roads and Transport 7.0 9.0 0.5 16.5 0.4 1.6 2.0 Other Environmental Services — 14.3 2.7 17.0 — 1.3 1.3 Law, Order and Protective Services 0.6 2.0 — 2.6 0.2 0.5 0.7 Education and Libraries, Science and Arts 3.1 8.9 — 12.0 0.4 6.0 6.4 Health and Personal Social Services 6.1 1.4 — 7.5 3.0 1.2 4.2 Totals 17.4 35.8 4.1 57.3 4.4 10.6 15.0 The consequential changes in the current financial year are expected to be small. Precise analysis of the factors currently affecting progress is not however possible.