§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total income of local authorities in England and Wales for the last year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. OakesThe latest available figures are those for 1971–72, when the total income of local authorities in England and Wales was some £7,293 million.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of the income of local authorities in England and Wales is met by Government grants and by rates, respectively.
§ Mr. OakesThe 1974–75 rate support grant settlement was on the basis that 60.5 per cent. of the estimated "relevant" expenditure of local authorities in England and Wales would be financed by Government grants and the remaining 39.5 per cent. by rate income. These percentages are subject to change if the actual 1974–75 relevant expenditure differs, in constant price terms, from the estimated amount. The division of 1974-75 gross expenditure between Government grant, rates and other income is not yet known.