§ 24. Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will report on the discussions between the Scottish Office and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities over future local authority spending levels in Scotland and the clarification of the rate support grant formula and distribution to individual authorities.
§ Mr. RifkindMy right hon. Friend has held three meetings with the convention this year on these matters 99W and he is considering the convention's views. His proposals for the rate support grant settlement for 1981–82 will be conveyed to the convention at a further meeting and will be reported to the House.
§ 30. Mr. Home Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Borders regional council and Lothian regional council about their cash guidelines for 1980–81 and 1981–82.
§ Mr. RifkindBorders regional council has made representations about the adequacy of guidelines. Lothian regional council has made no direct representations about guidelines but has repeatedly sought to justify higher levels of expenditure.