Consultative Council on Local Government Finance

HC Deb 14 December 1981 vol 15 cc3-4

4. Mr. John Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he attends meetings of the Local Government Consultative Council.

The Under-Secretary of State for Trade (Mr. Reginald Eyre)

When necessary, I represent my right hon. Friend at meetings of the Consultative Council on Local Government Finance.

Mr. Fraser

In which case, I sympathise with the hon. Gentleman. Will the amount of money that is likely to be spent next year by local authorities on consumer protection be more or less than, or about the same as it is this year?

Mr. Eyre

Expenditure by local authorities on consumer protection is estimated at £47 million for 1982–83, and that estimate has been agreed with the local authority associations concerned.

Mr. Fraser

Is the figure for this year up, down or the same?

Mr. Eyre

It is up.