§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment on how many occasions in each year since the passing of the Act Ministers have authorised the making of ex-gratia payments by local authorities under Section 161 of the Local Government Act 1972; and on how many occasions, after formal application, such authorisations have been refused.
§ Mr. John SilkinSince 1st April 1974, when Section 161 of the Local Government Act 1972 became effective, sanction has been given under this provision for 793 items of expenditure. In 416 cases 373W sanction has been refused. I have written to the hon. Member more generally on this subject.
§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment on how many occasions and under what legal provision other than Section 161 of Local Government Act 1972 local authorities have made ex gratia payments in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. John SilkinThis information is not available.