§ Mr. Ripponasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of rate expenditure is effectively under the control of local authorities and not determined by central Government.
§ Mr. John SilkinVirtually all the rate expenditure on services for which I have responsibility is effectively under the control of local authorities.
§ Mr. Ripponasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of local government expenditure is represented by wages and salaries.
§ Mr. John SilkinWages and salaries comprise about 55 per cent. of local authorities' gross revenue expenditure. Gross revenue expenditure covers total expenditure on goods and services and interest and interest payments, before deducting income from rents, fees and charges.