Further to the answer to question S1O-2707 by Jackie Baillie on 14 December 2000, how many credit unions were extant in 1997-98, 1998-99, 1…

Figures on credit unions are available from the Registrar of Credit Unions now part of the Financial Services Authority. In 1997-98 the Registrar's annual report recorded that there were 124 credit unions in existence in Scotland. In 1998-99 this had risen to 135. The Registrar's report for 1999-2000 is not yet available but the FSA confirm that as of 16 January there were 138 credit unions registered in Scotland. The Registrar's report details the address of each credit union but aggregate figures are only provided for Scotland.There are currently no details available on the number of low cost insurance schemes available but the Executive is in the process of establishing which local authorities provide such schemes. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations operates a scheme on behalf of housing associations and approximately 80 housing associations participate.