§ 28. Mr. Alexanderasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has taken further steps to publicise to local authorities his policy to encourage the use of private contractors to carry out refuse collection and other council services.
§ Mr. KingI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, East (Mr. Taylor).
§ 35. Mr. Allan Robertsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the powers he has to ensure that councils fulfil their statutory obligations to provide services.
§ Mr. KingIn the main, it is to their electors, and to the courts, that local authorities are responsible for the discharge of their duties—not to my right hon. Friend.
§ 37. Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to introduce legislation to bring about the privatisation of any local authority services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HeseltineI have no such plans at this stage.