§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a list of the 30 local authorities with the largest increases in their current expenditure, in cash, between 1978–79 and 1983–84 estimates, showing for each (a) the increase in its current expenditure in cash, between 1978–79 and 1983–84 estimates, and (b) its percentage overspend of grant-related expenditure in 1983–84.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe information is as follows:
142W
Cash increase in net current expenditure 1978–79— 1983–84 (£000)
Overspend on GRE* 1983–84 Per cent.
Greater London Council 455,908 81.74 ILEA 409,322 66.13 Lancashire 224,259 0.76 From the advice that I have received from my marine scientists, it is clear that little purpose would be served at present by undertaking a monitoring programme. Even if some of the drums have been breached, their contents would have been widely dispersed soon after the incident. I understand that the Danish authorities have reached a similar conclusion and that the vessel that they have sent is now in the area and will be involved in recovering the drums. My marine scientists are, however, putting in hand the necessary arrangements to undertake monitoring should this be considered necessary.