§ Mr. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what short-term assistance he will make available to industries other than the agriculture industry to help repair the losses incurred due to the recent severe weather.
§ Mr. Allan StewartI have no proposals to make assistance, available.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will co-ordinate the response offered by the public utilities to consumers affected by severe weather.
§ Mr. AncramMy hon. Friend is no doubt referring to the disruption to services which occurred during the recent blizzards in Scotland. The immediate response in such circumstances is a matter for the utility whose service to consumers is interrupted. Where local co-ordination becomes necessary to assist their efforts or alleviate distress, it is best undertaken by the local authority. The680W appropriate role of the Scottish Office is to provide any more general co-ordination or assistance that may be required.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department will draw up a plan for use by local authorities which sets out in detail the emergency aid which can be made available to assist people in rural areas who suffer hardship and loss of services following severe weather.
§ Mr. AncramComprehensive guidance on dealing with natural emergencies, including the effects of severe weather, was given to local authorities in Scottish Home and Health Department circular No. ES(Scot)7/1976, a copy of which is in the Library. It indicated features which local authorities should include in their planning. Since the steps needed to deal with an emergency depend very much on its nature and the circumstances at the time, I do not think that more detailed central guidance would be practicable.