§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures is his Department taking in order to help local authorities to increase the number of green areas and recreation facilities in(a) Scotland and (b) Glasgow.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythIt is for individual local authorities to determine their expenditure on green areas and recreation facilities in the light of their overall priorities. In order to increase local authorities' capital spending powers, the Government have removed two important constraints on their expenditure. With effect from 1 April 1990, local authorities will be able, without penalty, to finance capital expenditure from current revenue and to treat contributions from the private sector as receipts. These changes will greatly enhance local authorities' flexibility to plan and implement their expenditure programmes, including those for the provision of green areas and recreation facilities.