HC Deb 27 June 1979 vol 969 cc251-2W
Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the effect on employment prospects of the proposed cut of £6.2 million in the budget of the Manpower Services Commission in Scotland.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

The Government's policy is to concentrate support on areas where unemployment is highest and, in line with this, the Scottish share of expenditure savings amounts to only 5.6 per cent. of the total. These savings will be achieved largely by a rigorous scrutiny of the cost of projects under the youth opportunities programme and the withdrawal of some courses under the training opportunities scheme which are of doubtful value. No significant effect on employment prospects is expected.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations took place with the parties concerned before decisions were taken to reduce the capital expenditure of local authorities by £20.9 million, that of the Scottish Special Housing Association by £5 million, that of the housing corporations by £10 million, and that of the Scottish Development Agency by £17 million; and what will be the effects on jobs and house building.

Mr. Younger

None; but the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the Scottish Special Housing Association and the Scottish Development Agency were forewarned of the Government's intention to reduce public expenditure. The effect on jobs and house building is not likely to be significant since planned expenditure is expected still to be above last year's outturn.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate where the proposed cuts of £10 million on the electricity industry in Scotland are to be made; and what will be the likely effects in employment and on electricity prices.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

It is for the Scottish electricity boards to decide what adjustments to their financial programmes may be necessary in the light of the reduction in their cash limits.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what part of the proposed reduction of expenditure of £1.1 million in the new towns is to be made in Glenrothes; and what consultations took place before the cut was decided.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

The allocation of expenditure to Glenrothes will be related to the new town's stage of development and to its needs. It is not the practice to consult in advance about the detail of Budget proposals.