§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to additional funds being made available to those local authorities whose areas have been hardest hit by the effects of the recent heavy snow; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 15 February 1991]: The information at present available to us does not suggest that local authority expenditure associated with the recent cold weather will have exceeded that for which prudent authorities could be expected to have budgeted. However, if any authority can demonstrate an undue financial burden as a result of recent weather conditions we will be prepared to consider whether special financial assistance should be given.