HC Deb 14 February 1994 vol 237 cc650-1
3. Mr. Richards

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on corruption in local government in Ynys Môn involving housing grants.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Gwilym Jones)

It is for the police and the council's monitoring officer to investigate allegations of corruption or fraud.

Mr. Richards

Is my hon. Friend aware that the director of housing of Ynys Môn borough council has delegated powers from the housing committee to allocate large discretionary grants? Details of those grants, such as the names of applicants, the sites and the amounts, have been withheld from some committee members whereas other committee members are directly linked to beneficiaries of the decisions by the director of housing. All that is taking place with the full knowledge of the chief executive of Ynys Môn borough council. Does my hon. Friend agree, as I do, with the view of Ynys Môn council tax payers that that scandal has now been dubbed Angleseygate?

Mr. Jones

I can appreciate the concerns expressed by my hon. Friend. It is, of course, for local authorities to set their own powers of delegation. I would trust and expect the council's monitoring officer most carefully to consider all such allegations.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

Does the Minister agree that any allegation of corruption against any local authority must be thoroughly investigated by the proper channels? Those allegations have been circulating privately since 10 January. The people of Ynys Môn would take them far more seriously if they had been made openly, without delay and without the cover of parliamentary privilege. To prevent political manipulation of the file to which the hon. Member for Clwyd, North-West (Mr. Richards) referred, will the Minister ensure that the allegations are handed over by the Welsh Office to the appropriate statutory authorities so that if they are proved they can be dealt with properly?

Mr. Jones

I agree with the hon. Gentleman about ensuring that these allegations—any such allegations—are thoroughly investigated. Any evidence that is available can be given either to the police or to the monitoring officer. I am sure that that would greatly assist either or both in pursuing the allegations.