§ 26. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many officials are engaged full-time in carrying out the Government's review of local and national 26W finance in relation to the rates problem; when he expects them to submit their report; and if he will publish it.
§ Mr. CrossmanAs I said in the debate last Wednesday, we now have all the background information that is needed for this review. The initial work was carried out by three official working parties: one investigated new sources of local revenue; one co-ordinated Departmental projections of local authority expenditure over the next decade; the third dealt principally with grants and rates. All three working parties have now reported. In addition, of course, the Allen Committee has presented its report on the impact of rates on households. We have the information: we are now working on the action that is to follow.
The Finance Division of my Ministry was strengthened to undertake the necessary calculations and staff were allocated to the work as required. The maximum number exclusively engaged on this work at any one time has been eight. An Assistant Secretary has been fully engaged on the work from the outset. The hiring of a mini-computer has now eliminated the need for a large staff engaged on test grant calculations.
The papers assembled by officials are not intended for publication. We shall announce our conclusions and proposals when we are ready to do so.