§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were his reasons for imposing a holdback of some £6 million from Staffordshire county council.
§ Mr. KingMy right hon. Friend has announced his intention of putting proposals before the House which will have the effect in Staffordshire of reducing its entitlement to block grant in 1981–82 by £5.75 million because it has failed to meet its volume target or to reduce its total expenditure below GRE.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is now prepared to meet a deputation on behalf of Staffordshire county council consisting of hon. Members, county councillors and officers to discuss the present and future financial situation of the council;
(2) what representations he has received from Staffordshire county council about the holdback of some £6 million from the county for 1981–82; on what date he intends to reply; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KingI received a joint letter from the chairman and leader of the county council on this subject on 10 November. I have today replied agreeing to meet a deputation.