§ Mr. John Evansasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will seek powers to enable the total cost of the fire service to be paid from central Government funds;
(2) if he will seek powers to enable the total cost of the police force to be paid from central Government funds.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has announced the Government's intention to set up an inquiry into local government finance.