§ Mr. Allan StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he proposes to make any funds available to Scottish regional and islands councils for expenditure on sewerage improvements.
§ Mr. RifkindThe Government are committed to further improving the quality of our rivers and coastal waters. There are pressing needs for new and upgraded sewage treatment and disposal facilities to meet European Community bathing water and other environmental standards and Scotland is disproportionately affected. Accordingly, I have decided, subject to the necessary legislation and in due course the approval by Parliament of funds, to make available to regional and islands councils a capital grant of £130 million over three years for works on sewerage, sewage treatment and disposal to reduce pollution or otherwise benefit the environment. The amounts available, at a grant rate of 75 per cent. on eligible works, would be £30 million in 1991–92, £45 million in 1992–93 and £55 million in 1993–94.