§ 28. Sir David MadelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to visit County Hall, Bedford, to discuss the 1999–2000 rate support grant settlement; and if he will make a statement. [63593]
§ Ms ArmstrongI currently have no plans to visit County Hall to discuss the provisional local government finance settlement 1999–2000. However, we have been consulting local authorities on our proposals and councils were able to request a meeting as part of that process. DETR Ministers will have met 72 authorities during the consultation period which ends today. Bedfordshire County Council did not request a meeting to discuss their representation.