§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the contribution of the Greater Manchester and Merseyside county councils to the revenues of the Lancashire and Western sea fisheries joint committee in 1985–86 in cash and as a proportion of the total precept-borne revenue.
§ Mr. GummerI understand from the Lancashire and Western sea fisheries joint committee that the contributions to its revenue in 1985–86 of Greater Manchester and Merseyside metropolitan county councils were £94,043 and £56,024 respectively and that these represented 32.6 per cent. and 19.4 per cent. of the total precept-borne revenue.
§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the future of the Lancashire and Western sea fisheries joint committee following the abolition of the Greater Manchester and Merseyside county councils; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerThe effect of the abolition of the Greater Manchester and Merseyside county councils on the future of the Lancashire and Western sea fisheries joint committee will depend upon the outcome of consultations which are at present taking place with the district councils in these areas, which will inherit the relevant powers of the metropolitan county councils.