§ 15. Mr. Gerald Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government intend to implement 100 per cent. grant-aid outside rate support grant to local authorities for civil defence expenditure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawRepresentations in support of extending the items eligible for 100 per cent. civil defence grant-aid are being actively considered and I will inform the House of the outcome.
§ Mr. BowdenDoes my hon. Friend agree that 90 per cent. of local authorities will fail to fulfil their civil defence requirements until there is 100 per cent. funding?
§ Mr. ShawI fully sympathise with my hon. Friend's view that, particularly on staff costs, a strong case is made 409 for extending the 100 per cent. grant. However, my hon. Friend should understand that we must consider closely the implications of any such extension.