HC Deb 28 January 1976 vol 904 cc201-2W
Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in accordance with Section 43(6) of the Community Land Act 1975, he intends to publish the returns from local authorities of their community land surplus accounts which he has required to be submitted by 30th June under the Community Land Accounts (England) Directions 1975; and whether this publication will be in a form generally available to hon. Members, such as a White Paper or a House of Commons Paper.

Mr. John Silkin

I shall be discussing with the local authority associations when and in what manner community land surplus accounts should be published.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the Community Land Accounts (England) Directions 1975, set out in an appendix to DoE Circular 128/75, contain no direc tion under Section 44(2) of the Community Land Act 1975 regarding the payment of surpluses to the Secretary of State.

Mr. John Silkin

This direction relates to the present financial year—1975–76—only. The direction requires local authorities to include in their land accounts preliminary expenditure in preparing for transactions under the Act. No surpluses can arise directly from these activities. Another direction will be given for 1976–77 and subsequent years.