§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the total amount of rates paid to local authorities in England and Wales, expressed as a sum per head of population; and what were the comparable figures in each of the past five years;
(2) what is the average domestic rate payment to be made by householders in 1976–77; and what were the comparable figures in each of the previous five years.
§ Mr. FreesonThe estimated figures are as follows: —
§ Mr. MarksI cannot be specific about the commencement and completion dates for the repairs at the present time. It is only now apparent that further specialist tests will have to be carried out to establish the full extent of the damage caused by the recent failure which rendered the quarter chime mechanism inoperative.
Initial tests by the National Physical Laboratory had suggested that cracks 517W might also be expected in the main frame, the hour striking mechanism and the time mechanism. This was borne out by subsequent tests on a shaft taken from the hour striking mechanism which showed a deep crack, not visible externally, similar to the one that caused the original failure.
The Atomic Energy Research Establishment has therefore been asked to carry out further non-destructive tests on the mechanisms. These commenced on 18th October and will continue until 25th October. While every effort will be made to complete the work as soon as possible, the overall time scale will very much depend on the extent of any further necessary work revealed by the tests. It will be necessary to stop the clock from midday Saturday 23rd October until midnight Sunday 24th October while some of the further tests are carried out.