HC Deb 29 March 1985 vol 76 cc393-4W
Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement about the arrangement for the transfer of the property rights and liabilities of the Greater London council and metropolitan county councils to successor authorities on abolition.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

I have today deposited in the Library of the House a copy of a memorandum containing the Government's proposals for the transfer of property rights and liabilities of the GLC and metropolitan county councils. This reflects the principles set out in the White Paper, "Streamlining the Cities" (Cmnd. 9063), and developed in "the Yellow Book" of July 1984.

Copies have been sent today to the local authorities concerned, and to other interested bodies, with a request for comments by the end of April. Further copies of the memorandum are obtainable from my Department.

Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement about the future of the Greater London council's central purchasing unit in the event of the abolition of that council.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

In my statement in November about common specialist services, I said that their future was in the hands of successor authorities, but that my Department would use its good offices in considering how worthwhile services could be maintained if there was a demand for this.

It is clear that there is a general interest in the provision of a central purchasing service, probably under the aegis of ILEA, but equally that there are other practicable arrangements which are being considered.

The new ILEA will need to make its own purchasing arrangements. It could well be in its interests to continue to supply others, including London boroughs which have been using the unit. It would take some time for these authorities to set up other purchasing arrangements and they will soon need to start taking decisions. The Government hope that ILEA will open discussions with them as soon as possible, in the interests of the staff concerned and before the viability of the present unit comes into question.

My Department and that of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science continue to stand ready to use their good offices to that end.