HC Deb 16 June 1986 vol 99 cc406-7W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what guidance he is giving to the London residuary body in respect of transfers from the Greater London council mortgage account to private sector companies;

(2) if he has given any guidance to the London residuary body in respect of the disposal or future use of county hall.

Mrs. Rumbold

[pursuant to her reply, 12 June 1986, c. 310]: A draft of guidance on property, rights and liabilities to all residuary bodies was circulated on 10 April 1986 to local authority associations, successor authorities and residuary bodies for comment. The draft did not include specific guidance about the Greater London Council's mortgage account or about County Hall in London. The draft guidance is being reviewed in the light of the comments received.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will itemise the subjects covered by instructions, directives and guidance issued by his Department to each residuary body since the abolition of the Greater London council and metropolitan county councils.

Mrs. Rumbold

[pursuant to her reply, 12 June 1986, c. 310]: No instructions or guidance in final form have been issued to residuary bodies since 1 April 1986 and no directions have been made under section 65 of the Local Government Act 1985. A draft of guidance on property, rights and liabilities to all residuary bodies was circulated to local authority associations, successor authorities and residuary bodies for comment. The draft guidance is being reviewed in the light of the comments received.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give his current estimate of the number of ex-Greater London council staff who have not still received full payment of outstanding moneys from the London residuary body.

Mrs. Rumbold

[pursuant to her reply, 12 June 1986, c. 310]: It is not possible to give a precise estimate. This is partly because some redundancy or compensation payments may be subject to adjustment in the light of late changes in an individual's emoluments immediately before abolition, partly because some claims are in dispute, and partly because claims for compensation for financial detriment, which will be made on a continuing basis for a period of eight years, are still being received and because such payments will also be subject to adjustment in the light of any change in the circumstances of those eligible.