Mr Robin Squire: Does my right hon. Friend accept that many of my constituents are genuinely confused about the current difficulties and the responsibility for them? Does he agree that that confusion may be marginally reduced if the Labour majority on the GLC can agree on what it wishes to do?
Mr Robin Squire: asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of public expenditure was represented by capital expenditure (a) at the latest available date and (b) 10 years previously.
Mr Robin Squire: Does my right hon. and learned Friend accept that that shows a rather depressing fall in capital expenditure as a proportion of the total? What is the comparison with our European competitors? Finally, does he accept that, at least as regards certain essential public expenditure, only the authorities—national and local—can carry out that expenditure?
Mr Robin Squire: asked the Prime Minister what are her official engagements for Thursday 11 February.
Mr Robin Squire: Will my right hon. Friend find time to consider the reported comments of the right hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. Booth), who is quoted as saying last night that he is fully behind Mr. Buckton and the striking drivers? Is she aware that I travelled to work with many of my constituents this morning, on what was a remarkably uncomfortable journey, by London Transport? Is she also aware...
Mr Robin Squire: Although we do not yet know whether the Green Paper will become a best-seller, or even perhaps a film, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, whatever representations are received, any long-term reform should be such as can be sustained for a long time and not be overturned in five years or so?
Mr Robin Squire: Given the importance that all hon. Members attach to editorial independence, will my right hon. Friend speculate on the degree of independence enjoyed by other newspapers, such as Militant?
Mr Robin Squire: asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the skill content of the present youth opportunities programme.
Mr Robin Squire: I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Does he agree that one of the key elements in the health of an economy is the degree of training or skill that school leavers are able to acquire? In that connection will lie undertake to ensure that the highest degree of skill or training is available under the recently announced youth training scheme?
Mr Robin Squire: asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is satisfied with the state of relations between the United Kingdom and other member States of the European Economic Community.
Mr Robin Squire: Does my right hon. Friend accept that the admittedly small chance of there being a future Labour Government who would withdraw from Europe puts a cloud over relations between ourselves and our European colleagues? Has my right hon. Friend read a recent article in the New Statesman by Ann Clwyd, the Labour European Member, which pointed out clearly that it is not enough for Labour Party...
Mr Robin Squire: Has my right hon. and learned Friend read the editorial in yesterday's Financial Times, which suggested that the real reasons for what it describes as the cautious relaxation of Tuesday's statement was that past fiscal restraints had proved too tight? Does my right hon. and learned Friend have any fears that the same may be said in a year's time by the same newspaper about Tuesday's statement?
Mr Robin Squire: In the review that my hon. Friend has mentioned, will he undertake to consider those instances where more than one local authority is claimed as the possible supplier of housing, and especially the way in which the giving authority sometimes suffers at the expense of the taking authority?
Mr Robin Squire: I welcome all the initiatives that the Government have taken. Does my hon. Friend recognise that housing starts in neither the private nor the public sectors appear to be able to reduce the growing number of single homeless, especially in greater London?
Mr Robin Squire: Will my right hon. Friend recognise how welcome his statement about his proposed visit to Cyprus will be to many people on both sides of the House? When he is in Cyprus, will he take the opportunity to listen to both sides of the community, as he will find that what links them is much greater than what separates them? Will he continue to bear in mind the fact that despite the apparent ...
Mr Robin Squire: Does my right hon. Friend think that the nature of questions tabled by the Opposition in any way reflects their disappointment that the Labour Government were unable to achieve what the Conservative Government have manifestly done—secure a major reduction in the amount that we pay to the EEC?
Mr Robin Squire: I refer to amendment (a) to Government amendment No. 21. This concerns a small but important aspect of the amendments tabled by the Government—the nature of those who are enabled to audit the water authorities. I speak on behalf of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, which feels strongly on this point. Its members audit water authorities as employees of the district...
Mr Robin Squire: On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am unclear whether you have disposed of my amendment (a).
Mr Robin Squire: I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. It is not unusual for me to move an amendment concerning block grant—those with long memories will remember other occasions—but the House will be relieved to hear that my remarks today will be brief. One of the basic principles is that the block grant is paid to each authority—notwithstanding the comments made in relation to the...
Mr Robin Squire: I am grateful for my hon. Friend's expression of opinion. He is in danger of breaking my run, to which the right hon. Member for Manchester, Ardwick (Mr. Kaufman) referred in Committee, whereby it was expected that I would get my amendments accepted. My hon. Friend will therefore understand my feeling of shock and horror as a result of his answer. In the light of what has been said, I hope...
