§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales in what circumstances, and under what legislative provisions, he may give financial assistance to undertake work to prevent landslides, rock falls and slippages of other types from adjacent hillsides which may threaten the safety of towns or villages.
§ Mr. Alec JonesThere are no specific legislative powers under which my right hon. and learned Friend may give financial assistance towards remedial or preventative works in the circumstances described. But Section 138 of the Local Government Act 1972 enables county and district councils to incur expenditure where there is a threat to the life or property of the inhabitants of their area, and such expenditure is regarded as relevant expenditure for rate support grant purposes.