§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report details of any schemes known to his Department which involve local authorities agreeing to accept commercial sponsorship for the provision of community services for which that authority is responsible; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI am aware that certain local authority activities are sometimes sponsored by private firms. Details of such schemes are not available centrally. It is the Government's wish to encourage the development of co-operation between local authorities and industry and commerce in whatever form is appropriate, but decisions on these matters must rest with the local authorities.