§ Mr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of expenditure in the national parks is rate-borne.
§ Mr. Graham PageGovernment grants paid in support of the expenditure of all local authorities in England and Wales, including those responsible for national parks, amount in 1971–72 to 57½ per cent. of the forecast of total relevant expenditure. In the case of national parks, local authorities are entitled to specific grants of 75 to 100 per cent. on certain expenditure, and most of the county councils with responsibility for parks receive substantial payments of resources element of rate support grant. The percentage of expenditure in national parks which is rate-borne is, therefore, likely to be significantly below 40 per cent., but a precise figure cannot be calculated.