Written question asked by Piers Merchant (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 July 1997. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 July 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: What estimate he has made of the costs of establishing and running a strategic authority for London. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Merchant: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the costs of establishing and running a strategic authority for London. [9363] Mr. Raynsford: Our Green Paper, published today, sets out proposals and seeks views on a range of options for the nature and functions of the new strategic authority for London. It is not possible to make firm estimates of the cost of establishing and running the authority until we are clearer, following this consultation, on the final form that the new arrangements will take. Our overriding objective is that the new strategic authority should improve the efficiency with which pan-London activities are carried out. We intend that any additional spending on setting up the new authority will be offset by longer-term savings.

Secondary information