HC Deb 14 April 1986 vol 95 cc301-2W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects the Thamesmead Community Trust to take over the ownership of land and buildings at Thamesmead from the London Residuary Body.

Sir George Young

If all the necessary arrangements proceed as planned, ownership should pass to Thamesmead town during the summer.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out the boundaries of the area to be transferred from the London Residuary Body to the Thamesmead Community Trust, indicating the total acreage involved.

Sir George Young

Map No. 3 which accompanied Statutory Instrument 1986 No. 148 the Local Government Reorganisation (Property Etc) Order 1986, a copy of which has been deposited in the Library, defines the boundaries of Thamesmead. We estimated that the total acreage is about 1,800 acres.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated value of the land and buildings to be transferred from the London Residuary Body to the Thamesmead Community Trust.

Sir George Young

The valuation process is currently in train.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when staff declared redundant by virtue of abolition of the Greater London Council might expect to receive (a) redundancy payments and (b) overtime and other outstanding payments.

Mr. Tracey

These are matters for the London Residuary Body.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements have been made by the London Residuary Body to provide right hon. and hon. Members with information on matters for which that body is responsible; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tracey

The Local Government Act 1985 requires each residuary body to provide my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State with a copy of its annual report and statement of accounts, which are then to be laid before Parliament.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much has been spent by the Thames Water Authority to date on removing the insignia of the Greater London Council from property taken over following abolition; which properties were involved; and where the items removed are now located.

Mr. John Patten

This is a matter for the Thames water authority.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what general guidance he has given to the metropolitan districts, London boroughs and joint boards on the co-ordination of land use, planning, passenger transport and highways provision at county level; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tracey

Guidance notes have been issued to successor authorities on a range of subjects, including those listed in annex P to DOE circular 8/86 "The Local Government Act 1985". Guidance on the co-ordination or planning matters is contained in DOE circular 30/85 "Local Government Act 1985: Sections 3, 4, and 5: Schedule 1: Town and Country Planning: Transitional matters." My right hon. Friend may issue strategic guidance to assist local planning authorities in preparing their unitary development plans. The timing and content of any such guidance will be a matter for discussion with the authorities concerned.