HC Deb 12 December 1974 vol 883 cc762-3
Q3. Mr. Wyn Roberts

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to pay an official visit to Llandudno.

Mr. Edward Short

I have been asked to reply.

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

Mr. Roberts

In view of the Prime Minister's indisposition, he should perhaps change his plans. Llandudno is a very healthy resort. Meanwhile, perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would be kind enough to look into the matter of the rate support grant for Llandudno's county of Gwynedd, which is to receive a smaller share of the rate support grant during the coming year than it has received during this year. To assist the right hon. Gentleman in his consideration, will he bear in mind that the County Councils' Association sees the injustice of the working of the present rate support grant formula in this connection and is willing to reopen negotiations with the Government?

Mr. Short

I have looked into the question of rates in Gwynedd. Like all other areas of England and Wales, Gwynedd will receive a substantial increase in Exchequer grant next year, both in real terms and in money terms. Indeed, for the sparsity factor in Gwynedd there will be an additional £3 million, so that it is getting a fair share. Next year the Welsh domestic ratepayers will have relief of 36p in the pound—an increase of 2½ per cent. over this year's figure.

Mr. Lipton

While I welcome the Prime Minister's decision not to visit Llandudno for the time being, may I ask him, when he is well enough, to nip down to Greenwich, where it is believed that Greenwich Mean Time is about to be abolished and replaced by something that is called World Time? Will he put up a fight to retain this last vestige of British sovereignty?

Mr. Short

I shall recommend my right hon. Friend to examine the robustness of my hon. Friend the Member for Lambeth, Central (Mr. Lipton) and of the hon. Member for Conway (Mr. Roberts) and then decide whether to visit Llandudno or Greenwich.