§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is able to announce the Government's detailed plans for cuts in local government expenditure; and how such proposals are likely to affect the London borough of Newham.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe Government have asked local authorities to make a reduction of around 3 per cent.—£360 million—in the level of current expenditure envisaged in the rate support grant for this year. No decision has yet been taken on the level of reductions to be achieved in 1980–81 and later years. It is for individual authorities to decide, in the light of their own needs and priorities, how best to achieve the necessary savings.