§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with local authorities in Scotland over the rate support grant for 1983–84 and 182W housing support grant for 1983–84; and if he is satisfied that sufficient time is available to local authorities to undertake the necessary replanning in the provision of services.
§ Mr. YoungerI have had four meetings this year with the convention of Scottish Local Authorities about rate support grant for 1983–84. Details of the settlement were given to the convention at the final meeting on 10 December. The Minister for home affairs and the environment has had two meetings with the convention about housing support grant. Details of the grant for 1983–84 were given to the convention at the second meeting on 14 December. I am satisfied that authorities have sufficient time to take account of my decisions in their budgeting for 1983–84 especially as this year advance notice of my main proposals for RSG was given in July.