§ Mr. McNultyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what provision has been made for expenditure in 1998–99 on preparing for the Greater London Authority; and when these resources will be spent. [38319]
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§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Main Estimates published today include provision on Class VI, Vote 4 (Local Government and regional policy, England) of £2 million in 1998/99 for preparing for the Greater London Authority. This sum reflects the best forecast that can be made at this stage of the total costs in 1998/99 as a whole. No expenditure can be incurred before the Main Estimates are approved in July. No spending will take place unless Londoners vote in favour of the proposals for a Greater London Authority in the Referendum on May 7. There will be no significant expenditure on preparing for the Greater London Authority until Parliament has approved the principle of the legislation providing for the new authority's establishment.