§ 32. Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what claims he has now received from local authorities for financial assistance resulting from problems caused by the severe weather at new year; and if he will make a statement. [21351]
§ Mr. KynochTo date, 40 local authorities have responded to the Scottish Office's request for information on the extent and nature of expenditure incurred as a result of severe weather at the turn of the year. Of these, eight are nil returns and the remainder are being examined to establish whether the scale of expenditure would justify the triggering of the Bellwin scheme.