§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many times, and for what purposes, he has used his powers under section 73 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend has powers under this section to direct local authorities that part of their annual capital allocation may be used only for specified projects of national or regional importance. He has issued such directions to Bradford city council for the National Museum of Photography; to the corporation of the City of London for the Barbican arts centre; to Derwentside district council for the Consett land reclamation scheme; to Preston borough council for the Preston docks redevelopment; to St. Helens metropolitan borough council for Operation Groundwork; to Southampton city council for the Western Esplanade geothermal energy project; to 52 authorities for coast protection works; and to 14 authorities for sea defence works.
Two former GLC projects, the Thames barrier and the River Brent flood prevention scheme, received similar treatment under the separate arrangements which applied to the GLC.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has also issued directions in respect of certain highways, airports and port projects.
The power also contained in the section to direct that no part of an authority's allocation may be used in respect of a specified project has not been used.