§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular to local authorities making specific suggestions for reductions in expenditure as opposed to redistribution of the burden as between ratepayers and taxpayers.
§ Mr. CroslandNo. I have already made my general views clear to the local authorities on the need for them to exercise restraint on their spending. Detailed discussions on areas for possible reduction will precede the 1975–6 rate support grant settlement.