§ Mr. Robert Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the reasons why his Department underwrites the cost of the Central London law centre at more than £60,000 per annum; and if he plans that this precedent will be followed in other city centres.
§ Mr. KingThe London boroughs of Westminster and Camden submitted the London law centre as a candidate for urban aid last year to this Department. In March this year, after consultation with the Lord Chancellor's Department, grant for the project was approved under the Local Government Grants (Social Need) Act 1969. The two local authorities pay 25 per cent. of the cost, and the
Financial year Estimated number eligible for rate rebates in England and Wales Number of rate rebates granted in England and Wales Rebates granted as percentage of those eligible (millions) (thousands) (per cent.) 1966–67 … … … … N.A. 896 N.A. 1967–68 … … … … N.A. 786 N.A. 1968–69 … … … … N.A. 792 N.A 1969–70 … … … … N.A. 808 N.A. 1970–71 … … … … N.A. 795 N.A. 1971–72 … … … … N.A. 806 N.A. 1972–73 … … … … N.A. 905 N.A. 1973–74 … … … … N.A. 910 N.A. 1974–75 … … … … 3.6 2,300 64 1975–76 … … … … 3.7 2,580 70 1976–77 … … … … 3.9 2,670 68 1977–78 … … … … 3.9 2,705 69 A more generous scheme was introduced in 1974. Reliable estimates of persons eligible are not available prior to 1974.