§ Mr. Secretary Rippon, supported by Secretary Sir Keith Joseph, Mrs. Secretary Thatcher, Mr. Secretary Peter Thomas, Mr. R. Graham Page, Mr. Patrick Jenkin, and Mr. Eldon Griffiths presented a Bill to make further provision, in relation to England and Wales, with respect to the payment of grants to local authorities, rating and valuation, and the classification of highways; to extend the powers of the Countryside Commission to give financial assistance; to provide for the establishment of Commissions for the investigation of administrative action taken by or on behalf of local and other authorities; to restrict certain grants under the Transport Act 1968; to provide for the removal or relaxation of certain statutory controls affecting local government activities; to amend section 259(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 and to make certain minor amendments consequential on that Act; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time tomorrow and to be printed. [Bill 1.]