§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland at what rate grant aid would be payable on any scheme to relieve flooding arising from the river Conon, and on-costs related to surveys associated with any such scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayFor any scheme for the relief of agricultural land the rates are 60 per cent. for businesses in less-favoured areas and 50 per cent. for business elsewhere. Where the scheme is designed to assist nonagricultural land the level of grant available to the regional council would relate to the cost of the scheme and would be at least 30 per cent. In each case grant aid at these rates might be available on the costs of surveys necessary for the carrying out of the schemes. These arrangements apply to the river Conon and any other area with river flooding. The initiative for any scheme affecting agricultural land would lie with the agricultural businesses concerned and for non-agricultural land with the regional council.