§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to extend the powers of local authorities, under section 16 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act 1976, to obtain information other than issues connected with land; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Key[holding answer 13 December 1991]: The Government have no plans to extend the powers available to local authorities under section 16.