HC Deb 14 November 1984 vol 67 cc285-6W
Dr. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent response he has received from the Association of Metropolitan Authorities concerning the Government's plans for planning functions in metropolitan county areas in the event that the metropolitan county councils are abolished.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

None, since the response, in January 1984, to the "Streamlining the Cities" White Paper (Cmnd. 9063).

Dr. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what estimate he has made of the expected staffing implications for his Department of the expenditure controls which he introduced in the Local Government (Interim Provisions) Act;

(2) if he has taken any steps to determine what staff resources he will require to carry out work arising in his Department from the control of general expenditure powers, the control of disposals of land and the control of contracts arising from the metropolitan county councils and the Greater London council.

(3) what is the amount of his Department's voted provision in the current financial year and in 1985–86 to cover the cost of work associated with carrying out the control of general expenditure powers, the control of disposals of land and the control of contracts arising from the metropolitan county councils and the Greater London council.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Enough staff will be employed to ensure that applications for specific consent are dealt with expeditiously, but the numbers required will depend upon decisions of the authorities concerned, and on the scope of consents of a general nature that are issued under the legislation. The cost will be met from within the Department's voted provision for the current financial year. The Department will be seeking appropriate provision for 1985–86.

Dr. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate the Government made, and on what basis, of the likely expenditure and manpower consequences of their proposals before publishing Cmnd. 9063.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

No detailed estimates were made because the financial and manpower implications of abolition will depend largely on decisions yet to be taken by successor authorities.

I will be publishing our latest estimates very shortly.