HC Deb 08 February 1984 vol 53 cc870-1
8. Mr. Boyes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from Tyne and Wear county council concerning his proposals to abolish metropolitan county councils.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. Friend has received the council's response to the White Paper "Streamlining the Cities". This calls for the withdrawal of the White Paper and for an inquiry to be held before any reorganisation takes place.

Mr. Boyes

Is the Minister aware that the people in my area see the threat to abolish the Tyne and Wear county council as an act of spite and vindictiveness because it is Labour-controlled and is carrying out progressive policies in the interests of the community as a whole? Before he asks, "What business interests?", may I ask whether he is further aware that regularly — almost daily—I receive letters from businesses in my area saying that they would not be in business now if it were not for the help that they are getting from the Tyne and Wear county council, because they are getting no help from that lot over there?

Mr. Waldegrave

One thing that we think will bring much greater help to businesses and ratepayers in the hon. Member's area, and other areas, is a diminution in the overhead of Government on the citizen and the ratepayer.

Mrs. Currie

Is my hon. Friend aware that the West Midlands metropolitan council is proposing to take—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The question is about Tyne and Wear.

Dr. Cunningham

Why will the Government not publish in the House of Commons Library the representations made to them following the consultation period, which include representations not only from Tyne and Wear but from other metropolitan county councils? Why does the Secretary of State and his Under-Secretary consistently refuse to tell the House anything about the claims that they are making for the financial savings that will result from their threadbare White Paper proposals?

Mr. Waldegrave

A written answer is on the way to the hon. Gentleman in which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State says that he intends to put in the Library a list of the principal organisations that have responded. I have no doubt that these bodies will be prepared to provide the Library with copies of their submissions. This is according to normal procedure.

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