§ 44. Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received regarding the funding of political activities on the rates; and if he has any plans to amend section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI have received a considerable number of representations recently about expenditure incurred by local authorities under section 142 of the Local Government Act 1972. Nearly all have been critical of the use by some local authorities of ratepayers' money to fund politically motivated propaganda, much of which has been directed against the Government's proposals for rate limitation and abolition of the GLC and the metropolitan counties. As far as section 137 is concerned, I am prepared to take action if that becomes necessary. I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales as regards the uses made of section 137 in Wales and with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland as regards the uses made of the parallel provision (section 83) in the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.