§ Mr. Ancramasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement about the effects of his control of capital expenditure by Lothian regional council in 1980–81.
§ Mr. YoungerLothian regional council approved last June a capital budget of £54.4 million for 1980–81. After scrutiny of its proposals I have authorised capital expenditure by the council in 1980–81 up to a total of £42.8 million; of which £34 million relates to existing commitments from earlier financial years. The capital authorisations to the council in 1980–81 will therefore be some £11.6 million less than the budget approved by the council last June.