HL Deb 04 June 1986 vol 475 cc969-70
Baroness Nicol

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can confirm that support for the London Hazards Centre is to be continued.

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Elton)

My Lords, I understand that the centre has received funding for the first quarter of 1986–87 from the London Boroughs Grants Committee. The committee has commissioned further reports on the centre's activities, in the light of which it will consider whether additional funding should be made available.

Baroness Nicol

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that Answer. Is he aware that this is an organisation with a unique data base which is London-wide, and that it is used by many established agencies—voluntary and otherwise—as well as ordinary Londoners? Does he not feel that, as the Government were responsible for the uncertainty which the centre is now suffering, they have some responsibility to ensure that this very valuable work continues?

Lord Elton

My Lords, I am sure that the considerations which the noble Baroness has put before your Lordships will be taken into account also by the committee when it considers what to do. However, the effect of the abolition Act was to transfer responsibility for this type of funding to that committee and it is not, therefore, for me to intervene.

Baroness David

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the London Boroughs Grants Committee received a letter about the London Hazards Centre from the Institution of Environmental Health Officers, drawing attention to the very valuable work that the centre does for the whole of London? As the Government were responsible for a great many voluntary organisations losing grant because of the abolition Bill, will they use their influence to try to give some support to this very valuable centre?

Lord Elton

My Lords, the more impressive the evidence the committee receives, the more impressed no doubt it will be. However, I have to say that this is a matter for the committee and not for the Government.

Lord Mellish

My Lords, will the Minister be good enough to tell me what the centre does?

Lord Elton

My Lords, I understand that it provides advice and information on occupational and environmental health and safety and that the London Boroughs Grants Committee has called for a report on what these activities actually amount to.

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