§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each local authority for which information is available(a) the Aggregate Credit Limit and (b) the percentage of Aggregate Credit Limit of debt outstanding, using figures at 31 March 1997. [78588]
§ Ms ArmstrongThe information requested is not available. Figures for the Aggregate Credit Limit are not collected centrally.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to collect centrally and publish figures on local authorities' aggregate credit limits; and if he will make a statement on how his Department ensures that local authorities do not exceed their aggregate credit limits. [78587]
§ Ms ArmstrongI do not consider that it would be helpful to collect figures on local authorities' aggregate credit limits. It is for local authorities external auditors to monitor their compliance with all the requirements of the capital finance system.