HC Deb 19 March 1990 vol 169 cc878-9
14. Mr. Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met Welsh district councils; and what matters were discussed.

Mr. Peter Walker

I met representatives of the Welsh Counties Committee and the Council of Welsh Districts on 30 January to discuss local authority budgets for 1990–91. I also met the Gwent district councils association on 13 March 1990, when we discussed a variety of issues.

Mr. Murphy

When the Secretary of State met the Welsh district councils, I am sure that they discussed the problems of roads in Wales, 90 per cent. of which are controlled by local authorities. Does he accept that many of them are in a deplorable condition as a direct result of underfunding by the Government over the past 10 years? Does he accept that his figures show that those roads need £96 million spent on them to bring them up to scratch?

Mr. Walker

We have a very good record; we have spent more than £400 million, and we shall continue that good record.

Mr. Flynn

When the Secretary of State met Gwent district councils, did he discuss the poll conducted by the South Wales Argus which, having presented the Secretary of State's case on the poll tax in Newport, and the case of the local authority, invited its readers to vote on whom they believed—the Secretary of State or the leader of Newport borough council? The result of the poll was three to one in favour of the local council. Will the Secretary of State, as a "here today, where tomorrow" politician, withdraw the threat to a fine local authority which enjoys increasing support, year by year, from the people of Newport?

Mr. Walker

I am pleased to say that I had good talks with the Gwent district councils association, which considered them constructive and helpful—unlike most of the hon. Gentleman's comments.

When the final figures are in and they can analyse how much expenditure has been increased, I should be delighted for the electors of Newport to decide whether they like paying the proposed extra amount. They should also reflect that as a result of the negotiations conducted for Wales the community charge in Scotland will be 32 per cent. higher, and in England 57 per cent. higher, than in Wales.