HC Deb 11 July 1984 vol 63 c1029
9. Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much grant the metropolitan borough of Trafford received from his Department in 1979–80; and how much it will receive in 1984–85 at 1984 prices.

Mr. Waldegrave

In 1979–80 Trafford received £32.8 million in grants. For 1984–85 it will receive an estimated £24.3 million, in rate support grant. Information on other grants for 1984–85 is not yet available. Figures for the two years are in any event not comparable because of major changes in grant arrangements between 1979–80 and 1984–85.

Mr. Lloyd

Does not the massive reduction in grant to the Tory-controlled Trafford authority, which is slavishly following Government policies, compare very oddly with the situation in Liverpool? Is the new money for Liverpool to be taken from inner city authorities? Furthermore, is the Minister aware that his Government's actions will be clearly interpreted as showing that the Government concede nothing to those who acquiesce, and give in only when resistance is shown, as in the case of the city of Liverpool?

Mr. Waldegrave

Thanks to its excellent Conservative administration, Trafford had a rate increase of 1.9 per cent. last year. Secondly, my right hon. Friend has made it clear that the small sum of money which may, if it carries out its rating obligations, be available to Liverpool from urban funds could have been available to the ratepayers months ago if the council had behaved responsibly. The money is not to be subtracted from anywhere else. It comes from the departmental budget.

Mr. Dicks

Can Trafford, or my own local authority, expect to enjoy the preferential treatment given to Liverpool, or do only militant local authorities get additional help?

Mr. Waldegrave

There is no preferential treatment whatsoever. The only result of the behaviour of Liverpool city council has been that industrial uncertainty has threatened jobs there and the ratepayers have lost money. In the end, the council has been given something which it, or any other local authority, could have got by sensible negotiations months ago.