§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the conclusions of the Committee of Public Accounts set out in paragraphs 29 to 33 of its 17th report, Session 1989–90, "Grants to Aid the Structure of Agriculture in Great Britain" (HC 150). [29573]
§ Mr. Raymond S. Robertson[holding answer 16 May 1996]: My right hon. Friend broadly agrees with the conclusions about the crofters building grants and loans scheme expressed by the Public Accounts Committee in its 17th report for Session 1989–90. However, he also believes that it is important to consider from time to time whether there are ways of getting better value for money from Government spending. In his statement to the Scottish Grand Committee, he indicated that CBGLS would continue in its present form. This decision is based on a judgment that the scheme continues to play a key role in improving housing conditions in crofting areas.