§ Mr. Corrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further action he proposes to take under section 5 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1966 in respect of the expenditure planned by local authorities for 1983–84.
§ Mr. YoungerHaving initiated selective action in respect of five local authorities, I invited the authorities to make any representations to me. All five authorities made representations and either I or the Minister responsible for home affairs and the environment met each authority to enable the authorities to amplify orally their representations. In the light of the representations and discussions I decided to take no further action against Shetland Islands council. In the cases of Lothian regional council, Glasgow district council, Kirkcaldy district council and Stirling district council, I proposed a lower rate reduction and gave146W the authorities until 6 July to let me know whether they proposed to make voluntary rate reductions of that amount. None of the four authorities is prepared to make a voluntary rate reduction of the level I proposed. I am today laying reports before the House under section 5 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1966 and asking for the approval of the House to the following rate reductions:
Lothian Regional Council (6p) Glasgow District Council (3p) Kirkcaldy District Council (2p) Stirling District Council (2p)