§ Mr. Topeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) why he decided against the publication of a White Paper 456W on local government finance and decided instead only to issue a consultation paper;
(2) if he will make his Consultation Paper on Local Government Finance generally available to the public on request;
(3) to which organisations and individuals he has sent copies of his Consultative Paper on Local Government Finance.
§ Mr. Graham PageA consultative paper was issued because the Government considered it right to give the local authority associations an opportunity to contribute to a constructive discussion of the Government's proposals. Copies of the consultative paper are available to the public on request. I will send the hon. Member shortly a list of those to whom copies have been sent.