§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the population of Wales in each of the years 1979 to 1986; what was the level in real terms of rate support grant in each of those years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe population of Wales, and the level in real terms of rate support grant, in the relevant years are shown in the following tables:
Mid-year estimates of home population: Wales, persons all ages '000 1979 2,810.1 1980 2,815.8 1981 2,813.5 1982 2,806.6 1983 2,807.8 1984 2,807.2 1985 2,811.8 1986 n/a Source: Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys.
451W
Rate support grant paid to Welsh authorities (£ million), for 1979–80 to 1986–87, expressed in 1986–87 prices £ million 1979–80 980.7 1980–81 971.7 1981–82 950.8 1982–83 949.1 1983–84 924.5 1984–85 885.8 1985–86 856.1 1986–87 875.8 All figures are expressed in real terms at 1986–87 prices using the GDP (Market Prices) deflator.
The Government's policy on rate support grant since 1979 has already been made clear. I am today announcing my intentions for the 1987–88 Welsh rate support grant settlement.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy that the rate support grant settlement for Wales for 1987–88 will include an increase in revenue support sufficient to meet in full the interest on the additional capital expenditure sanctioned by the Government for Welsh local authorities for 1987–88.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI refer the hon. Gentleman to my statement to the House today. I intend to make appropriate allowance for the revenue consequences including interest payments arising from rate fund capital expenditure in 1987–88.