§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretray of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the special payments to local authorities regarding the previous Government's pledge in respect of extraordinary damage to roads and so on in last winter's exceptional weather; why 326W part payments cannot be made if details are in dispute; and how much Suffolk county council has claimed, can expect to receive, and when.
§ Mr. KingI refer my hon. Friend to my reply on 13 November to my hon. Friend the Member for Welling borough (Mr. Fry)—[Vol. 973, c.546]. Councils will be paid 90 per cent. of their qualifying expenditure as soon as the Department is satisfied that the conditions of the grant have been met. The balance will be paid after audit certification of their claims.
Suffolk county council has lodged a claim for some £0.75 million, which is now under examination with the council and I hope that payment will be possible shortly.