Local Government Reform (Hansard, 31 October 1984)

§ Mr. Heddle
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for the disposal of land and property formerly owned by the London county council and not yet transferred to the Greater London council in the event of the abolition of the Greater London council.

§ Mr. Waldegrave
All property belonging to the London county council was transferred to new owners on the setting up of the Greater London council. The Government intend to make similar provisions for the GLC's property when that council is abolished.

§ Mr. Tony Banks
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is considering the imposition of levy-type arrangements on London ratepayers, to be administered separately in each case, in respect of the following present Greater London council functions: (a) Thamesmead, (b) housing associations, (c) green belt, (d) Woolwich ferry, Thames bridges, engineering services, (e) the survey of London, (f) the Greater London record office, (g) historic buildings, (h) the probation service and magistrates' courts, (i) Lee valley park, (j) scientific services, (k) purchasing and (l) sports policy.

§ Sir George Young
No, but that part of the expenditure of probation committees and magistrates' courts committees which is at present taken into account in the GLC precept will be met directly by the relevant outer London boroughs. My right hon. Friend is considering the responses to consultation on the Lee valley regional park.

§ Mr. Tony Banks
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ask the Audit Commission to appraise the financial consequences of the abolition of the metropolitan counties and the Greater London council.

§ Sir George Young
No.

§ Mr. Banks
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in the event of the abolition of the Greater London council, who will carry on the present Greater London council funding of Burgess park and Mile End park.

§ Sir George Young
It is our intention that responsibility for the GLC's parks and open spaces shall be transferred to the boroughs in which they lie.