HC Deb 17 January 1994 vol 235 c361W
Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he intends to take to encourage local authorities to become debt free.

Mr. Baldry

Local authorities which have repaid all their long-term debts have recently been given general freedom to spend amounts already set aside for debt redemption. They are also generally relieved of the obligation to make further provision for debt redemption, either from capital receipts or revenue.