Vol. 415 No. 4
46 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline his policy in relation to donations, contributed by private individuals or companies for the purpose of facilitating the policy-making processes of local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Acceptance of contributions from private individuals or companies for purposes related to the performance of the functions of a local authority is a matter in the first instance for that authority. I see no objection in principle to such contributions, bearing in mind that there is a sound basis both in local government law and practice for co-operation between local authorities and private sector interests. I would expect, however, that a local authority, in considering the acceptance of a contribution in any particular case, would have regard primarily to the public interest and would take into account the nature of the contribution in question, the purpose for which it would be applied, and the significance of the contribution in terms of facilitating the performance of the authority's functions and of promoting economic, social and other development in the area. It would, of course, be essential to ensure that no such contribution would lead to any conflict of interest or prejudice in any way the proper performance by the authority of its functions.
