§ Mr. Michael Cocksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations have been received by his Department from the new county of Avon regarding the financial problems involved in establishing the new county council;
(2) what estimates have been submitted to his Department by the new county of Avon regarding the additional administrative costs involved in setting up the new local authority.
§ Mr. Graham PageMy Department has received through the County Councils Association representations from the new county of Avon on this subject. They relate to interest incurred in borrowing to finance initial expenses, spending on accommodation and equipment, staff recruitment costs and problem of transfer 109W of property funds from former authorities. Many of these factors are common to a number of new authorities and it has not been possible to provide a special factor in the distribution formula to deal with Avon.