§ 12. Mrs. Shieldsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated expenditure by district councils on civil defence in 1986; what proportion will be provided by central Government resources; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawDistrict councils' civil defence expenditure is incorporated in county councils' estimates and the information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The total of local authority estimates for civil defence expenditure in the current financial year is £19,494 million. Civil defence grant is paid on approved expenditure at the rates of 75 per cent. or 100 per cent., depending on the nature of the activity.
§ Mrs. ShieldsWill the Minister make available a 100 per cent. grant for the provision of control centres?
§ Mr. ShawAs the hon. Lady will know, that is at present the case for the construction of control centres. We are considering whether the 100 per cent. grant should be available for a wider range of expenditure, including staff costs.