§ 18. Mr. SackvilleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the effects of competitive tendering on local authority services.
§ Mr. HowardWe have received a large number of representations, the most significant of which make it clear that exposing services to competition brings real and substantial benefits to ratepayers and service customers.
§ 24. Mr. SternTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to bring forward proposals to oblige local authorities to charge for the services they provide, such as planning permissions and fines for overdue return of library books on the basis of the income of the payer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardNo, it is entirely appropriate that local authorities should levy a flat rate charge for services of the kind mentioned by my hon. Friend.