§ 35. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he proposes that the restriction on local authority spending will continue after this year; and for how long.
§ 23. Sir D. Gloverasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what plans he has to limit local government spending after this year; and what effect he estimates such limitations will have on local authority house building plans.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe Government's plans for this and for the next two years have now been given in the recent White Paper on public expenditure. They allow for a high level of local authority housing investment.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that if the forecasts of public expenditure contained in the recent White Paper are implemented, decisions about the level of the rate support grant will not be subject to negotiation between 1122 the Government and local authorities, but will be imposed by the Government?
§ Mr. HowellCertainly not. The rate support grant is always a subject of negotiation between the Government and local authorities.