Extra-Statutory Assistance

HC Deb 28 November 1967 vol 755 c46W

58. Mr. Fortescue

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the policy of his Department towards supplementing the contribution from central funds to a local rating authority, in circumstances where expenditure has been incurred through illegal actions outside the boundaries and beyond the control of that authority.

Mr. Skeffington

The purposes for which Exchequer grants may be paid are defined by statute. Extra-statutory assistance is given only in exceptional circumstances.

59. Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a special grant to the City of Liverpool to compensate for the £25,000 cost of repairing the water pipeline sabotaged in Wales.

Mr. Greenwood

No. I have no statutory power to do this, and while I deplore the damage done, I do not consider that the circumstances justify an extra-statutory payment.