§ Mr. Ian Stewartasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council may expect an answer to his letter of 11th November about distribution of the rate support grant; and whether he will meet a deputation of Hertfordshire county councillors and other interested parties before the rate support grant is put before the House.
§ Mr. John SilkinMy hon. Friend the Member for Widnes (Mr. Oakes) is replying today to Mr. Ireton's letters of 11th November and 2nd December. I am sorry for the delay in replying to the letters, but I do not consider that a deputation would serve any useful purpose at this stage.