§ 43. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will hold further discussions with local authorities concerning their rate assessments for 1974–75, following the publication of his proposals.
§ Mr. Graham PageNo. My right hon. and learned Friend has issued a circular laying down guidelines for local authority expenditure in 1974–75. If local authorities exercise this restraint in expenditure recommended by the circular then, subject to exceptional local circumstances, the increase in domestic rates should not exceed 9 per cent.