HC Deb 30 March 1987 vol 113 cc419-20W
Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements exist within his Department, within the central headquarters or in any regional or sub-regional organisation, for dealing with his responsibilities regarding public services or any other function in respect of the Greater London area; and how many full-time equivalent staff are involved in such work.

Dr. Boyson

Almost all aspects of my right hon. Friend's responsibilities affect Greater London to some degree. In particular, the Department's Greater London regional office has responsibilities for housing, planning, the urban programme, land registers and derelict land, and liaison with the London Docklands Development Corporation and the London residuary body. The Property Services Agency's London region is responsible for the Government's estate in London. Staff in post number 128 and about 3,700 respectively.

Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment with which Departments and non-departmental bodies his Department, and its related non-departmental public bodies, has consulted during 1986–87 in respect of services provided within Greater London; approximately how often such consultations have taken place; and what issues were discussed.

Dr. Boyson

My Department consults as appropriate other Departments and non-departmental public bodies on matters relating -to services in London. No central record is kept of these numerous oral and written consultations.

Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether there are any proposals to change the arrangements for discharging his Department's responsibilities regarding public services or any other function in respect of the Greater London area during the forthcoming year.

Dr. Boyson

The Secretary of State has no proposals to change the current arrangements.

Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the results of his latest analysis of information collected from local authorities under section 56 of the Local Government Act 1985 concerning the costs, savings and other results of the abolition of the Greater London council; and what plans have been made for the regular dissemination of these results.

Dr. Boyson

I refer to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Chope) on 4 February, at column 720, based on returns submitted by authorities under section 56 of the Local Government Act 1985, and joint manpower watch information, as at 30 June 1986. Section 56 returns have not yet been received from all authorities in respect of 30 September 1986. That information will be laid before the House as soon as possible, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The Local Government Reorganisation (Manpower Information) Regulations 1986 provide for quarterly returns until June 1987 and thereafter for an annual return for March 1988 and March 1989.