§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what schemes are being considered to provide grants to individuals and local authorities in addition to the Bellwin scheme for the repair of severe storm damage; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartIn May 1990, my Department issued a circular to all local authorities setting out the various sources of central Government funding available to them to offset expenditure arising out of an emergency. In addition to the Bellwin scheme, grant may be payable on emergency works carried out by authorities under the Coast Protection Act 1949 and on confirmed flood prevention schemes under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961.
The British Red Cross Society has recently assumed responsibility for the receipt and distribution of European Commission grant aid. This may be awarded at the European Commission's discretion to member states for the relief of families worst affected by abnormally severe weather conditions.