§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received alleging abuse by local authorities of powers conferred on them by section 142 of the Local Government Act 1972.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend has received numerous representations, nearly all critical of alleged abuses.
§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Mid-Staffordshire (Mr. Heddle) on 27 February, Official Report, column 38, what further action the Government now propose to take with regard to section 142 of the Local Government Act 1972.
§ Mr. WaldegraveWe have not yet reached a conclusion on this issue.