§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment in what form and in what detail he collects information regarding applications to his Department for loan sanction under Section 161(1) of the Local Government Act 1972; and whether he will outline briefly the reasons which prevented him answering fully two Written Questions from the hon. Member for Melton on 1st December, Official Report, columns 158–9.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettRecords of applications made under Section 161(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 are kept in 875W a form and detail consistent with the proper exercise of my right hon. Friend's powers under this provision.
The information requested in the earlier Questions is not necessary for this purpose and could have been provided only by the individual examination of each of the 716 applications submitted during the period in question. The cost of staff time and resources would have been disproportionate.
I will write to the hon. Member.