HC Deb 10 March 1971 vol 813 cc415-6
60. Mr. George Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he proposes to use his powers under Section 228 of the Local Government Act, 1933, to debar the District Auditor from disallowing expenditure incurred by Islington Borough Council on the construction of a road between Duncan Terrace and Colebrook Row.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

My right hon. Friend has had no application from the council for sanction in respect of this expenditure.

Mr. Cunningham

Does the Minister realise that local residents are disturbed that a lovely and historic part of Islington has been torn up for the construction of a road under questionable legal powers? The borough has conducted a secret examination into this matter. Will the Minister ensure that the report of that examination is available at least to the Ministry and preferably also to the public?

Mr. Heseltine

I understand that the borough council has said there is to be urgent action as a result of this report, which has only recently been completed, as the hon. Member knows.