Mr. Batesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what was the Government contribution towards the running of the Port of Manchester Health Authority during the last financial year; what he estimates it will be during the current financial year; and, in each case, what this is as a proportion of total authority expenditure;
(2) when he expects to be in a position to announce the Government contribution towards the running of the Port of Manchester Health Authority for the next financial year; and whether he will make a statement on future Government help for the authority.
§ Mr. MulleySpecific grants to port health authorities were terminated as from 1st April 1974 under Schedule 1 to the Local Government Act 1974. However, local authorities receive rate support grant in respect of all their relevant expenditure, including expenditure on port health.
The best present estimate of the Government's contribution to the Port of Manchester Health Authority for 1973–74 is £18,880. This represents 50 per cent. of the authority's expenditure for the year.