§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if in future he 637W will include hon. Members in the rate support grant negotiations: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ShoreThe negotiation of the rate support grant settlement has of course to be undertaken between central and local government. Nevertheless, Ministers constantly receive representations and deputations from Members of Parliament during the long process of the annual negotiations. The rate support grant orders themselves are dependent upon the approval of the House of Commons.