§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to increase home improvement grants in Scotland during the coming Session.
§ Mr. Hugh D. Brown:A draft of the Housing (Amounts of Approved Expense) (Scotland) Order 1977 was laid on 3rd November and the Housing (Standard Amenities Approved Expense) (Scotland) Order 1977 was made on 12th October and laid before Parliament on 266W and how much of the subsidy per meal comes from (a) Her Majesty's Government, and (b) the local education authority.
§ Mr. McElhone:About 49p at Government 1976 prices. The Government do not pay a specified percentage of the subsidy, but the estimated net cost of the school meals service is included in relevant expenditure on which rate support grant is paid; in 1977–78 the rate of grant is 68½ per cent. The balance of relevant expenditure is met by the local authorities.