§ Mr. Allen McKayasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to create neighbourhood or community councils, particularly in areas which lost their urban councils in the 1974 reorganisation, giving them statutory responsibility for their areas; and if he will make direct payments to them and parish councils from the resources element of the rate support grant which have local rates precepted by the parent authority.
§ Mr. KingNo. Parish councils may already be set up in such areas following review by the district council and the submission of proposals by the Local Government Boundary Commission. It would not be practicable to make equitable arrangements for paying rate support grant to parish councils.