§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assistance he intends to provide to the Westminster city council concerning the recovery of rates outstanding for nearly four years in respect of the Nigerian High Commission's hostel at 20–22 Inverness Terrace, London, W.2.
§ Mr. KingThe recovery of rates is a matter for the city council: the Secretary of State has no power to intervene. Any assistance which the Government can give to a local authority in relation to properties occupied for diplomatic purposes would be for my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to consider.