§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what level of grant aid was approved by the Scottish Education Department in 1988–89 for village and community halls in Scotland; what is the anticipated level for 1989–90; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 6 June 1989]: In 1988–89 the Scottish Education Department approved projects for the building and improvement of youth, village and community halls in Scotland to the value of £2.35 million (on which a grant of £1.14 million will become payable over the next few years assuming the projects proceed as planned). In the same year the total amount actually paid in grants in respect of these, and projects approved in earlier years, was £950,000. Provision has been made for the payment of up to £1.045 million in grant aid in 1989–90 and I am at present considering how to allocate this amount, having regard to commitments in respect of previously approved projects.