HL Deb 31 October 1984 vol 456 cc609-10WA
Lord Constantine of Stanmore

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What arrangements have been envisaged for the collection and bulk disposal of rubbish when the GLC has been abolished.

Lord Skelmersdale

It is proposed that waste disposal and regulation in the London area should become the responsibility of the London boroughs and the City of London on the planned abolition of the GLC. These authorities are already responsible for refuse collection.

The Government have, however, made clear that in most cases effective co-operation will be required between the successor authorities, and have asked the London authorities to submit detailed proposals to this end by February 1985. It is proposed that my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment will have a reserve power to establish statutory joint arrangements if he is not satisfied with the proposals for voluntary co-operation.