HC Deb 08 February 1984 vol 53 c879
19. Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he makes of the additional costs of running local services in inner London.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

The GRE assessments take account both of the extent of social deprivation in many inner London boroughs and of higher labour costs. Inner London boroughs have the 10 highest GREs per head in the country on non-education services.

Mr. Banks

As the City of London is perhaps 227 per cent. over its GRE, why does not the right hon. Gentleman bring forward proposals to abolish the City of London, as one of the great overspenders?

Mr. Jenkin

The House might be more impressed if, instead of asking that rather pointless question—[HON. MEMBERS: "Answer."]—the hon. Gentleman stood up and told us whether he supports Mr. Livingstone's demand that the Labour party should defy the law on rate-capping. Will he, or will he not?

Mr. Banks

Yes.