asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the number of housing schemes submitted to him by local authorities for approval.

Many more new local authority houses were approved in 1975 than in either of the two previous years, but schemes for improving council houses have not so far taken up all of the current allocations. It is primarily for each authority to decide how its housing needs should be met.

Will my hon. Friend confirm that the Edinburgh housing authority has failed to take up the full allocation of money available to it for modernisation of council houses? Will my hon. Friend give us the relevant figures? Is he aware that in my constituency there is an empty block of council housing at Tron Square for which designs are available for modernisation but for which work has been delayed by the failure of the Conservative council to take up the money available? Will—

Order. The hon. Gentleman is embarking upon yet another supplementary question.

For 1976–77 the total available to local authorities for work starts on housing, environmental improvement and capitalised house repair work is £95·1 million plus a further £3·9 million under the Job Creation Scheme. Edin- burgh's bid for 1976–77 was only £1 million but on the formula it could have had £4·7 million. Therefore, without wanting to criticise Edinburgh District Council, I must say that there is money available if it will get on with the job.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in the course of the current financial year Stirling District Council has managed to start building only seven council houses? In view of the long waiting list in the district, will my hon. Friend instruct that council to pull its socks up and try to improve upon its abysmal record, which is the typical work of a council controlled by a Conservative-SNP coalition?

It is not part of my job to instruct local authorities or to criticise them. In housing terms I am aware that the Stirling District Council is not one of the best authorities considering the many problems facing it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that to compare the 1973 and 1974 house-building statistics with those of 1975 is a shameful con trick? He knows that they were the lowest figures for house-building since 1951, almost a quarter of a century ago. Does he accept that local authorities are being swamped by this problem? Will he accept—

Order. Fair rations. The hon. Gentleman has already asked two supplementary questions.

The Scottish National Party is much more skilful at con tricks than I am. I did not make any comparison with 1973 or 1974. All I am saying is that record sums of money are available for the kind of work mentioned in the Question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Cook).

Will the hon. Gentleman look at the situation of some local authorities which are anxious to proceed with housing schemes but which, because of the understandable cut-backs in public expenditure at regional level, have problems about getting sufficient finance for sewerage and water supplies? This problem is giving rise to conflict. I know of instances in the Tayside area and I should be pleased to give the Minister detailed examples. I hope that he will look into the matter.

I cannot be held responsible for the backward Conservative authorities in many country areas which should have made better provision in the past. This is a problem. We work in collaboration and as colleagues with regional and district authorities and we are achieving some measure of success.

Before my hon. Friend criticises any more local councils, will he now criticise his own Department, which has been holding up Kyle and Carrick District Council's application to build 126 houses in Logan Drive in Troon? My hon. Friend should get his finger out.

As we are in the mood to exchange compliments, I point out that it has taken my hon. Friend about three months to write to me on the matter about which he is now expressing great concern.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on power station closures.

The South of Scotland Electricity Board recently announced its intention to close Clyde's Mill and Portobello Power Stations on 31st March 1977. Decisions on power station closures are a matter for the appropriate electricity board.

Is the Minister aware that as recently as 29th October 1975 he indicated that there would be no such power station closures this year? Will he indicate to the House what effect the 3,000 additional megawatts coming on stream fairly shortly will have on existing power stations in Scotland? Further, what will be the effect of the additional nuclear capacity?

The hon. Gentleman's supplementary questions go much wider than his original Question. I point out that 1977 is not this year and therefore my previous answer was perfectly accurate. These are two very small stations by modern standards. The House might care to know that their total coal consumption is less than 90,000 tons per year, whereas the total consumption of the South of Scotland Electricity Board is about 9 million tons per year. In this instance we are dealing with very small amounts.

Has my hon. Friend had a meeting recently with the South of Scotland Electricity Board and the Scottish area of the National Union of Mineworkers? If that meeting has been held as was promised, have the Government made any representations to these boards and other bodies that from now on they should settle for coal-burning stations rather than those using oil or any other fuel?

The meeting, which has been held, included the Central Electricity Generating Board, the two Scottish boards, the National Coal Board and the respective trade unions. I attended that meeting. There will be a separate working party, which I shall chair, dealing with the Scottish situation. We have a very strong interest in getting the maximum amount of coal burnt in power stations in Scotland, and that will be one of the objectives of my chairing that working party.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will set up a committee to investigate the use of purse seine nets in the waters off Scotland, and if he will make a statement.

I do not consider that the use of purse seine nets is giving rise to problems which require investigation by a committee, but I keep all types of fishing under review.

Does the Minister agree that, with the majority of fish species being subject to quota restrictions, there is a grave risk, if there is a major extension of purse seine netting, that there will have to be a restriction of the number of boats fishing?

This is a problem. Last night the hon. Member was accused of being a progressive Conservative. Now he is being a Luddite. Increased efficiency can bring blessings and problems, and we are watching the point in co-operation with the industry

Does the Minister agree that there is little point in Scottish fishermen adopting conservation measures while the Danes and Belgians go on scooping up immature fish? Only three weeks ago about 17,000 tons of immature herring were landed in Danish ports.

That is not the original Question I was asked. Of course, this is a problem linked to some extent to the method of catching. We are keeping a watch on the present methods being used by the fleets under our control and responsibility.

If the Minister is not satisfied that the present situation requires the setting up of a committee, will he have another look at the whole question of fishery protection, which is grossly inadequate, which is adversely affecting inshore fishermen throughout Western Scotland?

I reject that allegation. The protection is not grossly inadequate. I know that the hon. Member has a local problem and I have written to him about it. We hope to provide added protection in the next few months. The Fishery Protection Service is giving good service. This is just one of the many considerations we continually bear in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for improving the road system north of the Edinburgh/Glasgow axis.

The trunk road programme provides for the improvement of trunk roads giving acccess to oil-related developments and of those serving the central industrial belt, including the motorway and dual carriageway network. The improvement of other roads is primarily the responsibility of regional and island councils.

In view of the Minister's answer and his comments about oil-related areas, does he appreciate that with the importance of the Aberdeen area to the whole United Kingdom economy there should be an early commitment to announce the building of a road joining the oil capital of Europe—Aberdeen—and Edinburgh with dual carriageway throughout via Perth and Dundee?

I think the hon. Gentleman knows the decision that the Government took to make the road from Dundee to Stonehaven, via Forfar, the trunk road. That was indicated to the two regional councils concerned in January. We have not had their comments yet.

Will the Minister ensure that any road building in Scotland does not duplicate existing rail services, the closing down of which will be criticised by the people who are now asking for road improvements?

I take the view that we need a correct balance between road and rail development.

Will the Minister authorise the reconstruction of the Dam-head Bridge at Coupar Angus on the A94, which is one of the main oil routes to and from Aberdeen?

If the hon. Member tables a Question on that subject, I shall deal with it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in the planning for a new general hospital in Dunfermline and district; and when the work is likely to start.

The preparation of the brief and schedules of accommodation for the first phase of the development is well advanced, and I expect approval in principle to be given shortly. I recognise the need for detailed planning to proceed as quickly as possible, but I am not yet able to say when work is likely to start.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the demand for a new hospital in this area has been continuing for over a decade? Within that period two Ministers—my right hon. Friend the Minister of State and the hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. Monro), then in office—have both visited the existing hospital. Does not my hon. Friend think that some rapid progress should be made? Can he help?

I am aware of the continued interest in this project not only by my hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline (Mr. Hunter) but by my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton). The necessary consultations have now been completed between the board and the Department about the number of beds, revenue costs and the implications for hospital services in West Fife of phase I of the new hospital. I expect approval in principle to be given shortly, but in the meantime planning is continuing.

What has gone wrong with the Minister's hospital building programme? This hospital was firmly in the band years ago. When the Peel Hospital should have been completed in 1979, why has the Minister still not completed the planning stage?

The hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. Monro), who was himself a Minister in the Scottish Office, cannot get away with that. He knows that it was not that far advanced. However, we have considered it and we are going forward to acquire the site and we hope to have a start shortly.

If the Minister is unsuccessful in fighting for money for a new hospital, will he pay an urgent personal visit to the Neurological Institute in the Southern General Hospital where a third of the beds are not being used and lives are being put at risk because of the financial restrictions?

I am concerned, but I do not accept expressions of concern from the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Taylor), because he was the Minister in December 1970 when this unit was moved from Killearn. These beds have been lying empty for five years—during most of the time of the previous Conservative Government—and it is hypocritical for the hon. Member to chide me when he was the responsible Minister in the first place.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is not the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Taylor) wrong? Should he not have referred to the situation at the Neuro-Surgical Institute, which has nothing to do with—

Order. That is not my business.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the previous local authorities in the Cunninghame District Council area left credit balances in their rating accounts.

I understand that the accounts have not yet been closed.

According to the local Press last week, large deficits have been left by previous local authorities to Cunninghame District Council. Will my right hon. Friend guarantee that extra supplementary grant will be given to Cunninghame District Council in order to help local ratepayers?

I do not read the local Press in the Cunninghame district. Whether or not its report is accurate, the fact is that it is fairly common in other parts of Scotland for debit balances to have been left to the new authorities, and there can be no special assistance for that reason.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the largest amount of money paid under the free legal aid scheme in the last financial year to any firm of solicitors for legal services rendered; and if he will make a statement.

The largest amount paid to a single firm of solicitors from the Legal Aid (Scotland) Fund in the year ending 31st March 1975 was £257,762. Of this total, approximately £97,000 was in respect of fees retained by the firm. A similar amount was in respect of fees remitted to other legal firms for whom the solicitors acted as agents, and approximately £64,000 was in respect of outlays.

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that there are no abuses in the operation of this scheme? Is it true that solicitors are applying for an increase in their fees under the scheme? If so, will he assure the House that any increase will be confined to the £6 a week maximum which applies to the rest of the community?

The House will note with interest the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday of the setting up of the Royal Commission on the Legal Profession in Scotland, part of the remit of which will be to examine the remuneration of solicitors in Scotland. The points that my hon. Friend raises will be dealt with in that examination. As to whether increases can be kept within the £6 limit, I certainly hope so, but that is a matter for others.

But is the hon. Gentleman really satisfied with the supervision of this scheme, which dispenses hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money? Is he aware that a spokesman of the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday reported abuses of the scheme under which up to £10 an hour has been claimed by solicitors for time spent travelling between their offices and the court? Is he sure that they are claiming fairly and properly?

I find the criticism from the Opposition interesting when their instant reaction yesterday was that the Royal Commission was not necessary. They now look rather silly against the background of the exchanges which have taken place. I am always concerned about criticism of the administration of the legal aid scheme. That is why the Royal Commission was set up with those terms of reference.

Will my hon. Friend try to impress upon the legal profession the fact that it should not advise its clients to plead guilty to certain offences because the fine would be much smaller than the cost of the services provided in defending them?

I think that my hon. Friend will accept that it is not for me to consider giving advice to solicitors about what advice they in turn should give their clients.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the latest situation in the fishing industry.

The general improvement in the market situation during the second half of 1975 has been sustained in 1976. In the first five weeks of 1976 the Scottish industry's gross earnings are 22 per cent. up on those for the comparable period in 1975. The gross earnings of the white fish sector increased by almost 40 per cent., and the earnings per day at sea for white fish trawlers over 80 ft increased by 45 per cent.

Unfortunately, I cannot accept the optimism implied by the right hon. Gentleman about the market for the rest of this year. Is he aware that the latest EEC document on fishing limits is totally unacceptable to all sections of the industry? Since the Minister of Agriculture is in Brussels all this week, will he be discussing the latest document? If not, when can we expect ministerial discussions on fishing limits to begin?

The EEC Commission has now produced two working documents which will provide the basis for urgent discussion of specific proposals. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has pressed the United Kingdom's case in Brussels earlier this week. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and I will be furthering this matter in future discussions. I think that the hon. Gentleman will be aware of what we said about this working paper in the debate a short time ago.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that there is great concern in all parts of the House about this EEC document? Will he undertake to press vigorously for a 100-mile exclusive limit for our own fishermen when he has discussions with his right hon. Friend?

I think that I spoke about this in the debate and outlined our difficulties. We are in a Community in which free access is already allowed and we have a derogation in respect of a certain coastal strip until 1982. Our position is not one for which I exactly wished, but the hon. Gentleman can take it from me that I will press as far as I can for satisfactory arrangements for the fishing industry.

Am I not correct in thinking that my right hon. Friend's original answer expressed neither optimism nor dismay but simply gave a ray of hope that figures are standing up? Is not a 45 per cent. increase in earnings over the period he mentioned in stark contrast to the dismal and pessimistic forecasts by the industry only a few weeks ago? Should not the industry perhaps give us a further set of figures so as to come clean about where it stands on this matter?

If the House or hon. Members from the North-East do not like my figures, perhaps they would like to consult the Press and Journal of 25th February, which carried the headline:

"Fishing Gets Off to a Flying Start".

Would not the right hon. Gentleman admit that when one is considering the financial situation of the industry one should consider not just earnings but costs? Is it not a fact that costs rose over the last year by more than 25 per cent.? To be fair, therefore, should he not balance that increase against the increase of earnings?

Of course. The hon. Gentleman should know, from what I said in the debate I mentioned and have said in answer to other questions, that we have been in touch with the industry. We have certain figures and at present we are asking for a breakdown in terms of size of boat and other matters. I have said before and I say again that the industry has been far too gloomy in its forecasts. The figures for the first five weeks certainly bear out what I said.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for reducing unemployment in the Western Isles.

The hon. Member will be aware of the measures taken by the Government to alleviate unemployment, including those announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 12th February, which will be of benefit to the Western Isles as well as to the rest of the country. The Western Isles are also a priority area in the development strategy of the Highlands and Islands Development Board.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that answer follows roughly the same lines as answers I have always received? Is he aware that in my constituency there were 22 per cent. unemployed last month and 17 per cent. this month? Does it not all boil down to the fact that the Minister has no plans and virtually could not care less?

The unemployment figure is too high. If the hon. Member would occasionally put a constructive idea to me, I would look at it. The Nigg refinery which my right hon. Friend approved this week will be useful to the Highlands but I notice that the leader of the SNP has come out against that refinery.

In considering plans for reducing unemployment in Scotland, will my right hon. Friend now make a rapid decision to give the go-ahead to the Stonehouse new town to alleviate unemployment in Hamilton and adjacent constituencies?

There is a later Question on that matter and I think that it would be in accordance with the normal conventions if I did not comment now.

Bearing in mind that the Nigg refinery is as far from the Western Isles and my constituency as Paris is from London, would the right hon. Gentleman agree that a constructive criticism or suggestion might be that he should impinge upon the Chancellor's mind the idea that further punishment of the whisky industry would greatly harm employment prospects in islands like Islay?

I do not accept that the whisky industry has been punished. As I have said several times, if hon. Members will put sensible ideas to me about their constituencies, I am always willing to look at them, but when it comes to SNP constituencies sensible ideas are few and far between.

My right hon. Friend must not be too parochial when he makes a decision. Does he agree that, while it is important that there should be reductions in unemployment in the Western Isles and other parts of Scotland, it is also important that he and his right hon. Friend should not be seen to be against a reduction in unemployment in other parts of the United Kingdom, which are just as badly hit as many areas in Scotland?

Unemployment figures everywhere are too high. We want to see them brought down.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the operation of regulations in Scottish local authority schools concerning the wearing of school uniform.

The making and operation of school rules are matters for schools and education authorities.

Will the Minister take action about children who are being deprived of education simply because they are not wearing the prescribed clothing? Will he bear in mind that it could cost a family with three children over £100 to equip them for school? Surely this is a matter better left to the good sense of parents than to the whims of individual headmasters, some of whom have an almost Fascist-type obsession about wearing uniforms.

A headmaster should not set himself up as judge in every respect. There are no statutory provisions governing school dress. It is a question for local arrangement. I hope that the schools and local authorities will have regard to all the circumstances. It would not be proper for me to express a legal opinion about the wearing of school uniform, which is a matter for the good sense of local authorities.

Is there any evidence that over the long term the wearing of clothes other than the basic school uniform turns out to be less expensive? The Minister should stand up for discipline and authority of headmasters instead of undermining their authority.

I do not accept that. It is a matter for local authorities. They have the discretion and I hope that good sense will prevail.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now announce his decision on the application to build an oil refinery in Easter Ross.

I made a direction on Monday 1st March enabling the High- land Regional Council to give planning permission for an oil refinery at Nigg Point on the Cromarty Firth. I have sent the hon. Member a copy of the decision letter.

Will the Secretary of State accept that those of us who have the worry and responsibility of trying to attract continuing employment to the Highlands will welcome his decision? Will he now take the opportunity to revise his previous decision to delay for two or three years the building of the Kessock Bridge, as it is imperative that it now proceeds in view of the development for Easter Ross?

I welcome the hon. Gentleman's attitude and I appreciate the work he has done and the concern he has shown on this issue. I am glad to have the opportunity publicly to apologise for the delay over the letter which I sent to him yesterday. I contrast his attitude with the strange attitude of the Scottish National Party. Its members proclaim at one time that they want work in particular parts of Scotland but when the opportunity is afforded they make disparaging remarks. The possible interaction between this project and the possible development of other projects, such as the Kessock Bridge, will certainly have to be kept in mind. The Scottish Development Department is considering alternative possibilities in the light of proposals put to me.

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his drive to get work for the Highland areas, which is necessary following oil construction work there. Is the necessary co-ordination work being done to provide the infrastructure, such as housing and schools, for the increased population which will live there for many years to come?

The biggest element is the construction work, which is temporary but which will lead to over 400 jobs at first and I hope that more will flow from them. I shall bear the point in mind. We have some experience in this area—such as with the smelter—and if we handle this situation as well as we did that, we shall do well.

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on granting the planning permission. The scheme will guarantee 1,500 jobs in that area. Does he not agree that it is time that he provided the same number of jobs in North Ayrshire by granting permission to build an oil refinery at Hunterston, which is the best site in Scotland?

It is the best site in Scotland for many other things as well.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the achievements to date of the Scottish Development Agency with regard to the improvement of employment prospects and economic development within Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress the Scottish Development Agency is making towards reducing unemployment in Scotland.

Though the Agency has been established for only 11 weeks, it has lost no time in tackling the formidable tasks which face it. It has announced its first programme of 18 advance factories, and is already undertaking five environmental improvement schemes which are both providing work now and making Scotland a more attractive place to invest in for the future. It is assembling the manpower and other resources it will need, and is devising its strategies to improve employment prospects and stimulate economic development.

Is the Minister aware that the Government's recent White Paper on Public Expenditure refers to the spending of £200 million on the Scottish Development Agency over the next five years, but that there is no reference to the further £100 million which the Government said would be forthcoming? Will this money be made available, and, if so, where will it come from, in view of what was said in the White Paper?

The White Paper implements our promises and pledges that at least £200 million will be made available over the next five years. I know that that is a great disappointment to the hon. Gentleman, since his party tried to castrate the Scottish Development Agency when it was set up. If the money is spent successfully, no doubt the Agency will come back and ask for more.

Will the Minister come clean and admit that his dreams of a vibrant Scottish Development Agency have turned to dust and that in the Cabinet the basso profundo has become basso castrato? Does he agree that we need £300 million a year for the SDA?

I do not agree. I understand that the SDA is content with the budget. We shall wait and see the results.

Does the Minister agree that it would be more helpful if he accepted that any contribution the SDA can make will be in environmental matters? Does he agree that hopes that one organisation with such a small sum can regenerate the economy are false, particularly when the regeneration of the Scottish economy depends upon the success of the British economy?

Not everything can be done by the SDA, but I do not accept what the hon. Gentleman says.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of Scottish local government expenditure is met from central Government funds.

In 1974–75, some 65 per cent. of net expenditure falling to be met from rating accounts, and some 68 per cent. of total net current expenditure falling to be met from rating, housing and trading accounts.

Will my right hon. Friend accept that my constituents will hear of that answer with envy because the figure is considerably in excess of the figure for England? Will he make it plain to the Scottish electorate that it is in a very happy position under the present arrangements and would be most unwise to accept either complete separation from the United Kingdom or even the Government's modest devolution proposals?

I listened with interest to what my hon. Friend said. There is nothing worse than a Scottish poacher who becomes an English gamekeeper. I hope that Councillor Lamond of Aberdeen entirely agrees.

I agree with her.

There are considerable historic reasons for the difference. If my hon. Friend had met the ratepayers' association and the protest group which came to see me last year, he might have appreciated how strong are the feelings about rate increases in Scotland.

What proportions of the Scottish oil revenues will go into the United Kingdom's Treasury to finance and subsidise English extravagance?

The revenues from the British oilfields will go into the United Kingdom Treasury. It is that sort of thing that will enable us to give help in the places that need it most. If the hon. Gentleman were more objective and looked at the situation in parts of England, such as in the area represented by my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham, East (Mr. Lamond), a former Lord Provost of Aberdeen, he would see that parts of Scotland are very much better off than many parts of England.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the operation of children's panels.

I am glad of this opportunity to thank children's panel members, reporters, social workers and police. Their efforts in the last five years have ensured much more thorough consideration of the needs of children in trouble and a greater involvement of parents.

Does the Minister agree that the work of the children's panels is being undermined by the shortage of List D places? In those circumstances, for how many extra places has the hon. Gentleman asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his recent five-year spend- ing programme? What success has he had in seeking the money desperately needed for the expansion of this work?

There will always be a need for secure places and other places in List D schools, but this is not the only way to tackle children in trouble. The emphasis should be on various forms of treatment and not necessarily List D places.

Does the Minister agree that the children's panel system has been the subject of much ill-informed criticism and that the basic difficulty is the lack of facilities with which to carry out the work?

I do not deny that there is a lack of facilities. I agree that the system has been much criticised and that much of the criticism is ill-informed. I wish that some of the hon. Members who criticise the children's panels would see them working. It is a good system, which is still in its infancy even though it has been going for five years. The way to tackle the problem is to give the system a chance and have confidence in the members of the children's panels.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will pay an official visit to Clackmannan district.

My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to do so.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the recession in the textile industry, which has hit Clackmannan with particular ferocity, justifies a visit by the Secretary of State to the area? Will he institute an investigation into the circumstances of the closure of Magee's clothing factory at Tillicoultry, a company which has received considerable Government funds? Will he use his good offices with the SDA to ensure that it gives a favourable hearing to the Central Region's plea for four advance factories of 10,000 sq. ft.?

The Magee factory is not a Government responsibility, but what happened was extremely unfortunate, to put it mildly. We told the firm that if it wished to continue in the area and move to another factory, we should sympathetically consider giving financial assistance, but the firm decided to move. I shall draw the attention of the SDA to what the hon. Gentleman said. The SNP spends a great deal of time disparaging the SDA, but when it comes to a constituency problem it is anxious to obtain all the help it can from the SDA.

If my right hon. Friend decides to go to Clackmannan, will he ask the hon. Gentleman to amplify his threat that if the Shetlands seek any share of the oil revenues the SNP will invoke international law to prevent them from getting it? The relevant reference is the Falkirk Herald of 17th January.

I should not like to see the Shetlanders let loose on the SNP. It would be a rather bloody sight.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had with the local authorities concerning the sufficiency of bus services for the travelling public; and what effect any reduction will have on employment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further help he intends to give the rural areas to assist in preventing a complete breakdown in rural transport.

After consultation with the local authorities, I have made sufficent provision in the rate support grant settlements, for this year and next, to enable authorities to deal with requests from public transport operators for assistance to maintain services. But it is for each regional and island council to decide what assistance to provide, in the light of its own expenditure priorities and its assessment of the level of service needed in its area.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the anxiety felt by bus drivers and conductors that they may become unemployed and by the travelling public about the lack of services? In view of the cost of inflation to local authorities, will he reconsider his policies in this regard?

No, Sir. I have explained the position to the STUC. The amount of subsidy going to the Scottish Bus Group from the regional authorities in the current year is, because of the authorities' decision, less than the amount provided for in the rate support grant. There is no question of the Government's not providing sufficient sums. As for next year, the amount provided for in the rate support grant could accommodate the demands that the Scottish Bus Group has made on the regional authorities, even if they were met in full. These are matters that the regional authorities must decide for themselves, and these questions should be put to the regional authorities and not to me.

When considering rural bus services and subsidisation of some of the private firms involved, will my right hon. Friend consider instructing British Rail to resuscitate some of the branch lines which were closed in the past 10 or 20 years? They would be much more satisfactory to the Scottish public than some of the bus routes.

I dare say they would be, but I am not in a position to instruct British Rail about anything. A considerable sum is already going into British Rail for capital programmes and current subsidies, and I can hold out no hope of reopening branch lines.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of the people who lobbied hon. Members some weeks ago are now suggesting taking industrial action, which is very sad? If the right hon. Gentleman has not spoken to them, will he suggest that that action would do no one any good, particularly the people who would suffer in the rural areas?

I have met the STUC and representatives of the unions principally concerned about the matter and explained the position. I agree that industrial action is not the way to solve the problem, but I repeat that the approach should now be to the regional councils. Perhaps it would help if I wrote to the two hon. Members concerned explaining the position and made the letter public, so that the public could understand the position.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not just today but several times at the Dispatch Box he has unfortunately given the impression of washing his hands of the whole matter and passing the buck to the regional authorities? Does he accept that the subsidy demanded of the Borders Region will have increased tenfold in two years and that the Government are not compensating the authority for that? When will the Government introduce new legislation?

It is not a question of passing the buck: we have passed the money. The hon. Gentleman's regional council was asked for £250,000 in the current year, and it has agreed only £200,000, which is not out of line with other regions in Scotland. The authority of the hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. Monro) was asked for £600,000 and volunteered only £380,000. The sums that have gone to the Scottish Bus Group in the current year are less than was provided for in the rate support grant. Therefore, I accept no responsibility for those figures. I want to see good rural bus services, but the House has put the responsibility on the local authorities and hon. Members should take up the matter with them first.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Scottish Tories are as hypocritical as their English counterparts? Outside the House they call for public expenditure cuts, but in the Chamber they want more money to be spent by the Government when a matter affects their own constituency, even to the extent of trying yesterday to pass legislation to reduce standards by eroding the 1968 Transport Act.

I agree with my hon. Friend. We shall be glad to welcome him more often to Scottish Question Time if he asks such intelligent and penetrating supplementary questions.

Does the Minister acknowledge that the threatened explosion of bus fares will particularly hit those who live in rural areas, where it will increase the cost of living? What representations has he made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make sure that at least the other form of transport in rural areas—the private car—is fairly treated in the forthcoming Budget?

I am sure that my right hon. Friend will read with interest what the hon. Gentleman has said.

We have had a campaign urging us to "Save it", but should we not now have a campaign urging us to "bus it", and heed what is said?

Yes, if people did that, some of the problems would disappear. Most of those who come to me to complain about bus services get into their private cars and drive away when they leave me.

asked the Lord Advocate what representations he has received concerning the case of Patrick Meehan.

Various representations have been received from Patrick Meehan and the Patrick Meehan Committee. These representations have been passed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman read the book that one of my constituents, a Mr. Kennedy, has written on this case? Does he think that confidence in the administration of justice in Scotland demands either an inquiry or a reference back to the courts of the evidence that he has produced?

The answer to the first branch of the hon. Gentleman's question is "Yes". The answer to the second branch is "No".

I have a vested interest in the case as it was my aunt who was murdered. Having had talks with my uncle on this subject, I can tell my right hon. and learned Friend that there will be no objection on his part to an inquiry. I accept that there should be a public inquiry into the whole case.

That matter was known to me and to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, and it was taken into account.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take into account that the alleged new evidence that is presented in Mr. Kennedy's book is almost entirely obtained from those who have substantial criminal convictions? Will he take that into account in considering the case for a public inquiry?

Yes.

asked the Lord Advocate how many residents of West Stirlingshire have been prosecuted at Airdrie Sheriff Court since the reorganisation of the sheriffdoms.

Since 16th May 1975 there have been 50 prosecutions relating to residents of West Stirlingshire.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the great inconvenience that is caused by members of the legal profession and citizens in the Kilsyth area by having to travel to the Airdrie Sheriff Court? Is he aware that there is virtually no public transport? Will he consult his colleagues in the Scottish Office about the possibility of using a suitable building in the Kilsyth-Cumbernauld district to serve the dual function of a district court and a sheriff court?

Of these 50 cases, 43 originated from offences in the Kilsyth district. Airdrie is the nearest sheriff court. According to my information there is a reasonable public service available from Kilsyth to Coatbridge and Airdrie. There is a bus service from Coatbridge to Airdrie. It seems that on balance the nearest sheriff court is the most appropriate court.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman investigate the public transport system in the area of Airdrie? I can assure him that my constituents have experienced exactly the same problems as those experienced by constituents of the hon. Member for West Stirlingshire (Mr. Canavan).

I recognise that the availability of public transport is an important element in considering the convenience of a sheriff court.

asked the Lord Advocate when he next intends to visit courts in Glasgow.

I have arranged to visit Glasgow on Monday next in order to examine the state of prosecution in the District Court of Glasgow. As I intend to discuss the subject with the procurator fiscal and his staff and to inspect the accommodation provided for the procurator fiscal in the Central Court, I shall not have time to undertake any other task on this occasion.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware how nice it is to find at least one Minister prepared to do something about real problems? On his next visit to Glasgow will he take the opportunity to visit the Glasgow Sheriff Court to see the prevailing deplorable conditions? Will he be able to give us some news that an attempt might be made to modernise or extend the court?

I have already answered a question to that effect. In the context of my ministerial responsibility an effort is being made to alleviate the congestion at the court. Unfortunately, on Monday next I shall not be able to visit the court to consider its problems.

asked the Lord Advocate what recent representations he has had relating to the reform of the divorce law in Scotland.

I have not received any representations recently. This may not be unconnected with the initiative taken by the hon. Gentleman in introducing his Bill which received a Second Reading on Friday last.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman confirm that the Government broadly support that measure? Will he do his best to ensure that the Standing Committee that is to consider the Bill meets as soon as possible?

Questions concerning the Committee are not for me. It is a Private Member's Bill. It has been indicated on several occasions from the Government Front Bench that the Government will give drafting assistance.

asked the Lord Advocate if he is satisfied that sufficient procurators fiscal are in post for the conduct of prosecutions in the district courts.

Sufficient procurators fiscal are in post for the conduct of prosecutions in those district courts where this responsibility has already been assumed by the Procurator Fiscal Service.

I am grateful to the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that detailed reply. Will he give an indication that in general there will now be a reduction in the time taken in bringing cases to court?

I am afraid that I cannot give any such undertaking. As the hon. Gentleman will appreciate, the Procurator Fiscal Service has taken on a considerable additional burden in prosecuting in district courts. That is a problem that will have to be coped with before I can give any hope that there will be a positive reduction in the delay in bringing cases to court.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied with the amount of training that is being given to the new justices who are attending and taking part in the administration of these courts?

As the training is in an early stage of development, it would be quite wrong to give the impression of complacency or satisfaction. Training is at an early stage and it is being constantly considered and reconsidered. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will play his part in ensuring that the judges who volunteer for this work will take a full part in the training.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make an early review of the statutory duties at present carried out by local authorities with a view to reducing the numbers of staff employed in their execution.

No, Sir. The statutory duties at present carried out by local authorities have been conferred on them over the years by Parliament.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that many local authorities had to appoint officials to carry out these statutory duties, and that now the circumstances have changed? Is he aware that in many cases the officials are grossly under-employed?

If they are underemployed, there is no reason for the numbers not being reduced.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on educational expenditure in Scotland during the financial year 1976–77.

I would refer the hon. Lady to the White Paper on Public Expenditure to 1979–80, which was published on 19th February.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the criteria that will be used in implementing any public expenditure cuts? Is he satisfied with the criteria applied by the Strathclyde regional authority, which opened and closed Cumbernauld Technical College in one day? Will the hon. Gentleman indicate whether he was consulted about that decision? No one at Cumbernauld appears to have been consulted.

These matters are for the Strathclyde regional authority. The White Paper provides for a 5 per cent. growth in current expenditure. It is time that the SNP treated the Scottish electorate with some sincerity. After all, on education matters it has no policy. I find it somewhat disturbing and dangerous that the SNP keeps issuing pamphlets claiming that 40,000 children are suffering from part-time education when it knows that the figure is about half that. It is disturbing and dangerous that it issues pamphlets about the difficulties of unemployed school leavers and about countless other matters. The SNP should stop calling itself a party when it is merely a pressure group which has no policy for Scotland.

As the Minister spent most of his time as a Back Bencher calling for a massive expansion in education expenditure, and then replaced the hon. Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hughes), who resigned because of the Government's cuts in schooling, does the hon. Gentleman accept the Government's proposed reduction in capital spending for the school building programme?

I am sorry to say that the hon. Gentleman is wrong again.

I listened with interest to what the Minister had to say about the Strathclyde regional authority's proposals for education cuts. Is he aware that on the Isle of Coll a school has been recently wired for electricity—the white man's tremendous invention—and that as a result of the education cuts it is not to be connected to the electricity supply?

I can only say that the electorate cannot be wired to common sense if it has an SNP Member of Parliament to represent it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further measures he intends to take to deal with unemployment in Scotland.

I described to the hon. Member on 10th December and 21st January the substantial measures we have already taken. Further measures were announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 12th February, including additional help for the construction industry, extensions of the temporary employment and school leavers recruitment subsidies and the job creation scheme, assistance to encourage Stockbuilding in certain industries, and more finance for industrial training.—[Vol. 902, c. 450–1; Vol. 903, c. 1332–3.]

In view of that rather complacent answer, is the Minister aware that the number of redundancies being created in Scottish factories is far outstripping anything produced by the job creation scheme and that in the period up to January, although 2,000 jobs were provided under the scheme, 10,000 jobs were lost?

My answer was not complacent. I have said repeatedly that the unemployment figures are too high, but they are factual answers and the measures which I have described are having an appreciable effect.