§ Sir Hector Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has completed his assessment of damage to livestock, crops and buildings following the severe winter weather; and if he will make a statement on the availability of special financial assistance.
§ Mr. YoungerReports from all areas are now to hand and I have examined the position carefully. While there have been exceptions in individual cases it is clear that stock and crop losses have not been signficantly greater than in a normal winter. Whereas damage to buildings has been more extensive than in a normal winter, neither nationally nor locally is the extent of damage severe enough to warrant special aid. In the circumstances I 653W cannot offer any special financial assistance towards meeting the cost of loss or damage. Normal grant aid may, however, be available towards the cost of capital works required to make buildings capable of further use.