Rate Support Grant (Scotland)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:27 pm on 10 February 1982.

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Photo of Mr Bruce Millan Mr Bruce Millan , Glasgow Craigton 4:27, 10 February 1982

The Under-Secretary of State will have plenty of time to make his speech later. The Secretary of State took about 40 minutes to make his speech. I do not wish to do the same.

Of course the ratepayers will suffer in 1982–83, as they have suffered during the past two years under the Government. Opposition Members have every sympathy with them and with the industrial ratepayers. The Government have been clobbering industry, because the 347,000 unemployed represent industries and factories that have closed down or that are on the brink of bankruptcy. They are suffering from the Government's high rate policy, just as the domestic ratepayers are suffering. However, they should take their complaints not to the unfortunate local authorities but to the man responsible—the Secretary of State for Scotland. Because he has let down the local authorities and ratepayers, and has penalised every ratepayer in Scotland, we shall vote against the order tonight.