HC Deb 07 March 1984 vol 55 cc841-2
7. Mr. Maples

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be able to publish proposals for making the necessary adjustments to the London rates equalisation scheme consequent on the abolition of the Greater London council.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. William Waldegrave)

We are currently considering the responses to the consultation paper that we have issued on this subject. We shall announce our proposals in the light of those responses in due course.

Mr. Maples

Will my hon. Friend assure us that the London rates equalisation scheme will be extended to ensure that ratepayers in boroughs such as Lewisham will not pay higher rates as a result of the abolition of the GLC?

Mr. Waldegrave

As the White Paper says, we intend to extend the equalisation scheme to the outer London boroughs. It is not our intention that there should be a windfall gain to the central boroughs as a result of the GLC's abolition.

Mr. Straw

Does the Minister accept that, unless the scheme is amended and extended, 25 of the 33 London boroughs are likely to face higher rates, including all those on the Government's index of highly deprived boroughs?

Mr. Waldegrave

I do not accept that at all. As the hon. Gentleman has probably studied the consultation paper, he will know that the emendation proposals are under consultation.

Mr. Tracey

Is my hon. Friend aware of the confusion and worry in industry and local authorities caused by scaremongering propaganda put out by the GLC? Will he condemn such propaganda and reaffirm the intention to introduce measures as quickly as possible?

Mr. Waldegrave

It is extraordinary that a major local authority such as the GLC has been converted largely into an organisation for whingeing and complaining about Government policies. The fact that it needs to add public relations and advertising agencies to its strength in order to do so only confirms what my hon. Friend says.

Several Hon. Members

rose——

Mr. Speaker

Order. I understand that the hon. Member for Stockton, North (Mr. Cook) has lost his voice, so I shall call his question for him. Mr. Frank Cook. Question No. 8.