HC Deb 15 February 1984 vol 54 cc179-80W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in the event of the Greater London council abolition, what will be the single administering body in each area responsible for concluding all legal actions outstanding at the time of dissolution, referred to in paragraph 9 of annex C to Cmnd. 9063.

Mr. Waldegrave

I refer the hon. Member to paragraph 5.14–5.18 of "Streamlining the Cities" —Cmnd. 9063.

Mr. Boyes

asked the Secretary of State for Environment what representation he has had from the leaders of principal opposition parties represented on each of the metropolitan counties; how many were in favour of retaining the councils; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

I shall answer this question shortly.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, what representations he has received from Anjuman-E-Islamia, Newham, in response to his White Paper, Cmnd. 9063 "Streamlining the Cities"; and whether it was in favour of, or against, abolition of the Greater London council.

Mr. Waldegrave

Anjuman-E-Islamia has written to my right hon. Friend expressing concern about its future funding if the GLC is abolished, and registering its opposition to abolition.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the British Refugee Council in response to his White Paper, Cmnd. 9063 "Streamlining the Cities"; and whether it was in favour of, or against, abolition of the Greater London council.

Mr. Waldegrave

The British Refugee Council has written to my right hon. Friend about the effects of abolition on its activities. The council believes that responsibility for funding its London wide activities should be vested in a single authority with the appropriate powers. The council expresses no view on the merits of abolishing the GLC.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the Merseyside chamber of commerce and industry concerning the proposed abolition of the Merseyside county council; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

The chamber has informed me that it does not support the proposed abolition of Merseyside county council. I have told the chamber that I will take its views into account, along with other responses to the White Paper "Streamlining the Cities"—Cmnd. 9063.