§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had about over-spending by the Aberdeen district council; what response he has made to these representations; what further steps he intends to take; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerMy Department has been informed that Aberdeen district council decided on 28 October to approve tenders to the value of £3.1 million related to expenditure on the housing revenue account block in the knowledge that these were likely to give rise to payments of £590,000 against the block this year, although its expectation was, even before the tenders were approved, that its expenditure on the block would exceed the allocation it had been given by approximately £1 million. An official letter was sent to the council on 10 November to point out that it is not lawful for a local authority to incur liability to meet capital expenses beyond the amount provided for in the allocation they have been given; and to ask what action the District intends to take. I have had one letter from a district councillor about this matter. I understand that this subject was discussed at a meeting of the council yesterday and my Department awaits a reply to its letter.