§ 7. Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from local authorities and others in Wales over the past month relating to the rate support grant and capital expenditure guidelines for local authorities in Wales for 1985–86.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThree local authorities and one hon. Member have made explicit representations concerning the adequacy of expenditure targets and capital resources since I announced details of the 1985–86 rate support grant settlement on 12 December.
§ Mr. WigleyIs the Secretary of State aware that the county of Gwynedd, which has the highest unemployment record of the eight counties in Wales, has suffered a further cut in regional support, as outlined in the Government's recent announcement? Is he further aware that that county, with less finance than is recognised by the Minister's own formula as being needed, cannot undertake not only the luxurious services that have faced the axe in the past but the statutory services that are required by this House?
Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that any authority unable to meet its statutory requirements because of the settlement can discuss this matter with him?
§ Mr. EdwardsI do not agree that Gwynedd will have a problem in meeting its statutory responsibilities. As I told the hon. Gentleman during our debate last week, Gwynedd's share of current resources has increased. I note that its capital allocation for 1985–86 is about £11 million — one third higher than the allocation for the present financial year.
721 Gwynedd's share of the total capital resources allocated to the counties will, as a consequence, be increased. Therefore, both for current and capital expenditure, Gwynedd is doing rather well.