§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the schemes his Department operates to assist staff facing financial hardship following a transfer, showing(a) the particular criteria and rules applying to each one, including the circumstances under which any loans can be written off, (b) the total amount loaned or granted under the schemes in 1992–93 and so far in 1993–94 and (c) the number of staff assisted in 1992–93 and so far in 1993–94.
§ Mr. LangIn providing relief to staff facing serious financial hardship as a result of a compulsory transfer my Department follows the guidelines set down by Her Majesty's Treasury. These relate to the offer of a loan at commercial rates of interest, to meet the shortfall against their mortgages and to provide a modest deposit. In cases of hardship where an interest-bearing advance could not be afforded, the offer of an advance of salary may be made. Each case is considered on its own merits. Assistance is not given to enable staff to improve their standard of property nor to protect them from the vagaries of the housing market. Loans can be written off when the cost of continuing to service a bridging loan would be greater than the cost of compensation for a reduction in price to affect the sale of the property.
441WNo loans have been offered to my Department's staff in 1992–93 or 1993–94, to date.