HC Deb 21 December 1976 vol 923 cc133-4W
Mr. Brittan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications have been made to him for sanction under section 161 of the Local Government Act 1972 for the making of payments by an authority as a result of findings of maladministration by Commissioners for Local Administration in England.

Mr. Guy Barnett

Nine.

Mr. Brittan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the considerations that determine whether sanction is given or is to be withheld in the case of applications under Section 161 of the Local Government Act 1972 for the making of payments as a result of findings by Commissioners for Local Administration in England.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The considerations which apply to an application for sanction under Section 161 of the Local Government Act 1972 where a local authority decides that a payment should be made are the same whether or not the application arises as a result of findings by Commissioners for Local Administration. These are that no other statutory power exists and the expenditure is not otherwise unreasonable.