HC Deb 25 February 1976 vol 906 cc367-8
15. Mr. Peter Bottomley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the new duties added to the responsibilities of local authorities since February 1974.

Mr. Oakes

A comprehensive answer to the hon. Member's Question would involve disproportionate cost and effort, but I can assure him that no major changes are introduced which directly affect local government functions without full consideration of the expenditure and manpower repercussions.

Mr. Bottomley

Will the Minister give an assurance that any new duties that may be placed on local authorities during the next two years have already been taken fully into account in the public expenditure review?

Mr. Oakes

Yes, indeed. We look very carefully at all legislation in respect of both its cost and its manpower implications for local authorities.

Mr. Speed

As the Community Land Act will increase net public expenditure by the staggering amount of £312 million over the next four years, how will that make it easier to provide investment and to help exports, as the White Paper on public expenditure predicates?

Mr. Oakes

For two reasons: first, because of the Community Land Act it will be possible for local authorities, for their own purposes, to purchase land more cheaply; secondly, because of the Act local authorities can invest in land, and that is not a waste of public money but of great benefit to local authorities.

Mr. Dykes

As greater traffic management powers are already part of the new duties of local authorities, is the Minister satisfied that the local authorities are getting on successfully with preparations under the Heavy Commercial Vehicles (Controls and Regulations) Act for controlling the movement of heavy lorries?

Mr. Oakes

I think they are, but I shall write to the hon. Gentleman. I do not fully understand the Heavy Commercial Vehicles (Controls and Regulations) Act.