HC Deb 23 July 1987 vol 120 cc382-3W
Mr. Andrew Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make orders under section 49 of the Local Government Act 1985 requiring residuary bodies to make grants to eligible charities within their areas from money received from the sale of land belonging to the former Greater London council or metropolitan councils; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

An order was made under section 49 of the Local Government Act 1985 on 2 February (SI 118/87) to require the London residuary body to pay £10 million to the Trust for London in the financial year 1986/87.

My right hon. Friend has given careful consideration to all representations made to him about the possibility of other section 49 orders to make grants to charities in London and in the former metropolitan counties. No further section 49 orders are planned. Instead receipts that might have been used for this purpose will be distributed to the relevant boroughs and district councils. These councils are in the best position to decide on the appropriate level of support for their local voluntary sector.