§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a statement regarding the Government's decision on Exchequer grants to local authorities for 1970–71; how this compares with the £1,395 million for 1968–69; what allowance has been made for interest rates and the need for local authorities to expand their social services; and whether he is satisfied that such payments will be sufficient to prevent local rates rising.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonConsultations with the associations of local authorities and the Greater London Council have been taking place about the level of grants for 1969–70 and 1970–71. My right hon. Friend hopes to lay the Rate Support Grant Order before the House by the beginning of December, together with the Report on the considerations leading to its provisions. I must ask my hon. Friend to await the Order and the Report.