HC Deb 15 February 1984 vol 54 cc221-2W
13. Sir Hector Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now give special grant-aid to the farmers who lost stock or suffered damage to buildings during the recent exceptionally severe weather.

Mr. Younger

Grant-aid is given only in the most exceptional circumstances. Officials in my Department, in consultation with the National Farmers Union of Scotland, are gathering information on the extent of losses suffered by farmers, but I am not yet able to make a full assessment of the position.

21. Mr. Bill Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to provide Government aid to local authorities or to individuals who have suffered severe damage to their property or who have lost livestock during the recent bad weather.

Mr. Michael Ancram

I refer my hon. Friend to my answers to the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Mr. Maclennan) on 30 January 1984, at c. 50, and to my right hon. Friend's reply earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Morro).

29. Mr. David Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total amount of additional moneys he intends making available to Scottish local authorities to make good the damage done to roads and pavements, and to compensate them for the expenses incurred in snow clearing and storm damage as a result of the recent severe weather.

Mr. Ancram

I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Mr. Maclennan) on 30 January 1984, at c.50.

31. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will provide emergency financial assistance to the landowners and tenant farmers of the Conon valley, in view of the extensive structural damage caused there by the recent adverse weather conditions.

Mr. John MacKay

We are awaiting a full and up-to-date assessment, which will be completed as soon as weather and ground conditions permit, of the effects of the adverse weather so far this year and it would be premature to consider special assistance until that work is complete.