§ Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what was the total expenditure of local authorities in 1961–62; and what is the estimate for 1962–63.
Dr. HillI estimate that the total expenditure of local authorities in England and Wales in 1961–62 was about £2,190 million on revenue account and £710 million on capital account. The forecast for 1962–63 is at present tentative but the increase may be of the order of 7 per cent. and 3½ per cent., respectively.