London Local Government

HC Deb 19 May 1982 vol 24 cc340-1

Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any proposals to change the structure and responsibilities of local government in London.

Mr. Heseltine

No.

Mr. Dubs

I am grateful for the assurance. Is the Secretary of State aware that the Government's constant criticism of ILEA, London Transport and the GLC smack of a political vendetta? Will he give a further assurance that there will be no change to the structure and functioning of local government in London except as part of a national review of the metropolitan tier of local government?

Mr. Heseltine

The hon. Gentleman may have missed an important point. The deluge of criticism of the GLC and ILEA results from their profligate expenditure and rating policies. It is not orchestrated by the Government. We do not need to contribute to something that is happening under its own momentum.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Does my right hon. Friend agree that if London Transport is taken away from the GLC—and the sooner the better—the GLC will fulfil no useful function? Does he agree that it is no more than a party political racket at the expense of London ratepayers?

Mr. Heseltine

The party in control of the GLC is an eloquent testimony to my hon. Friend's wisdom.

Mr. Graham

Will the Secretary of State bear in mind that any defects in the structure or function of London local government pale into insignificance when we consider the problems created by the Government meddling in London finance and rate support? Will he repeat his assurance that he will not respond to politically motivated demands for the abolition of the GLC and consider the future of London local government only as part of a national review?

Mr. Heseltine

I would not respond to a politically motivated demand, but a rational and well-presented case would be a different matter.

Mr. Jessel

As Greater London housing has gone to the boroughs, the ambulance service to the NHS and sewerage to the Thames water authority, as the intention seems to be to put London Transport under a different authority and as the Home Secretary could easily run the fire brigade, why should the GLC continue? Is it not nonsense to talk of a political vendetta when, since its beginning in 1964, the GLC has spent an equal time under the control of both parties?

Mr. Heseltine

I am constantly searching for coherent answers to my hon. Friend's questions.