§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimates his Department has for the costs of administration in implementing the community charge transitional payment scheme.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. and learned Friend has made it clear that local authorities will be reimbursed for the reasonable costs they incur in administering the new transitional relief scheme. The administration costs will clearly depend upon the nature of the scheme, and we are at present discussing that with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.