HC Deb 02 April 1980 vol 982 cc227-8W
18. Mr. Harry Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what amount he has reduced the rate support grant to Central regional council for 1980–81 as a result of his decision on school transport.

25. Mr. John Home Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what amount he has reduced the rate support grant to Borders regional council and Lothian regional council for 198081 as a result of his decision on school transport.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Deletion of clause 25 from the Education (No. 2) Bill will not result in any reduction in rate support grant.

32. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider increasing the block grant to the Strathclyde regional council for education; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

There is no block grant to Strathclyde regional council for education. If the hon. Gentleman has in mind rate support grant, this is paid in aid of local revenues generally. If he has in mind capital expenditure, the council is not given grants but annual consents to incur liability to meet capital expenses. Its representations about the amounts for 1980–81 have been taken into account in determining its final consents for that year.

34. Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the balance of the rate support grant settlement between urban and rural authorities in Scotland.

Mr. Younger

I have had no representations in these terms since announcing the rate support grant settlement for 1980–81 but I am aware that some individual authorities have reservations about the distribution of grant.