§ Q3. Mr. David Chaytor (Bury, North)If he will make a statement on the reform of local government finance.
§ The Prime MinisterWe will publish a White Paper on local government. We are also working with local government to review revenue grant distribution to create a fair and transparent system that enables councils to meet the needs of their communities. These changes will be introduced in 2003–04.
§ Mr. ChaytorI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. I want to ask him about the standard spending assessment for education. Last year, a primary school 1166 pupil in my constituency received around £2,300 per annum; a primary school pupil in the city of Westminster received more than £3,300 per annum; and a primary school pupil in the best-funded local authority received £4,300. Does my right hon. Friend think that that is fair? Can the system be justified to my constituents any longer?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is precisely because of people's concerns that we are reviewing the system, as my hon. Friend knows. However, it is important that such a complex system is reviewed properly and that we get the answers right. He will know that in Bury, as in other parts of the country, there has been a massive increase in the amount of money that goes into the education budgets, irrespective of what system we use. That is one reason why it is so important that we continue to invest in our public services so that education, health and other services get what they need.
§ Dr. Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park)Have recent events affected the Government's thinking on the siting of airports, especially those near London—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. This is a closed question. The hon. Lady cannot ask about that.