Oral Answers to Questions — Environment

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 30 January 1991.

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Photo of Mr Tam Dalyell Mr Tam Dalyell , Linlithgow

That distinguished scholar Dr. Jacob Saki suggested on Radio 4 on Sunday that damage to Najaf and Karbala in particular, and at other Shi'ite shrines, could create the situation in which Iran would go to the aid of Iraq. Is not the bombing inhuman and counter-productive —and is not it perceived as such from Morocco right down to Malaysia? Should not all bombing be stopped forthwith?

Photo of George Young George Young Minister (Department of Environment) (Housing)

Before I answer the hon. Gentleman's question, I should tell the House that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment cannot be present in the House today as he is representing the United Kingdom at a meeting of Environment Ministers in Paris.

So far, there is no firm evidence of damage done to Iraq, although there is speculation about two buildings in Baghdad. Iraq has caused substantial damage by the wholesale looting of the national museum in Kuwait City, and it inflicted considerable damage on Iran during the Iraq-Iran war. As to the hon. Gentleman's substantive point, he may recall that on 21 January, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said that Very clear instructions have gone to our troops to avoid sites of religious and cultural interest."—[Official Report, 21 January 1991; Vol. 184, c. 26.]

Photo of Mr Robert Adley Mr Robert Adley , Christchurch

Is my hon. Friend the Minister aware that about the only thing that many of us admire about the hon. Gentleman's question is his ability to persuade the Table Office to put it on the Order Paper? Will my hon. Friend thank English Heritage for the help that it extended to Highcliffe castle in Dorset, and if that organisation has any spare funds, will he suggest that that site of historic interest is a more appropriate focus of English Heritage's attention and funds?

Photo of George Young George Young Minister (Department of Environment) (Housing)

It would certainly be cheaper for English Heritage officials to visit my hon. Friend's constituency than the middle east. I am grateful for his kind comments about the assistance that English Heritage extended to his constituency.

Photo of Mr Michael Portillo Mr Michael Portillo , Enfield, Southgate

Our review covers finance, structure and functions of local government, so is necessarily complex. The Government will announce conclusions as soon as they are ready to do so.

Photo of Mr Frank Haynes Mr Frank Haynes , Ashfield

That answer is not good enough. I expected to see the organ grinder at the Dispatch Box today, but he is not here, and obviously the junior Minister is answering for him. When will speed become the operative word in informing the House when the review will be finished and what will happen then? Our local authorities are suffering, and we will not have any more of it.

Photo of Mr Michael Portillo Mr Michael Portillo , Enfield, Southgate

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it is important to be as speedy as possible, but he will recognise that the matter is complex—and perhaps he will welcome the fact that we are dealing with functions, structure and financing together. Yesterday, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State spent a considerable amount of time in the Chamber and said then that he hoped to give first indications of our thinking in the spring. I hope that that is helpful to the hon. Gentleman.

Photo of Sir Nicholas Bonsor Sir Nicholas Bonsor , Upminster

When my hon. Friend is considering when to come out with the results of his deliberations will he please bear two points in mind? First, as whatever he decides will be with us for many years to come, can he resist the siren voice of the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Haynes), despite the vigour of his presentation, and ensure that we do not hurry this decision? Secondly, can he please ensure, when he does decide what should be done, that the community charge remains part of it, so that people have to contribute to the local services that they enjoy in some form, however little they earn?

Photo of Mr Michael Portillo Mr Michael Portillo , Enfield, Southgate

As my hon. Friend says, it would indeed be nice to arrive at a solution that would stand for many years, so that we would not have to have constant change. Sadly, there is a certain amount of disagreement about the hon. Gentleman's second point, but I note his views and I know that many of my hon. Friends take the view that accountability is an important principle, which should remain in any of our new arrangements.

Photo of Mr Bryan Gould Mr Bryan Gould , Dagenham

Will the Minister confirm that the outcome of his review could well mean that the poll tax remains in place?

Photo of Mr Michael Portillo Mr Michael Portillo , Enfield, Southgate

It could be that and it could be something different.

Photo of Mr Anthony Favell Mr Anthony Favell , Stockport

Whatever else comes out of the review, will my hon. Friend and his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State ensure that local authorities remain accountable to the people that they are intended to serve? Local authorities employ one in nine people in this country and, whatever local authorities would have people believe, some give rank bad service—everyone has heard stories of empire building and profligacy.

Photo of Mr Michael Portillo Mr Michael Portillo , Enfield, Southgate

Yes, I not only agree with my hon. Friend in much of what he says, but I believe that the introduction of the community charge has focused people's attention on the importance of making local authorities accountable. That is why I said, in answer to a previous question, that I believe that that is a principle which many of my hon. Friend's wish to preserve and defend.