§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the need to initiate economies in local government expenditure to prevent an excessive rise in rates, if he will issue in circular form or otherwise guidance indicating what areas of expenditure should be curtailed by local authorities.
§ Mr. John SilkinMy right hon. Friend has warned local authorities that it may be necessary for them to plan for no real growth in expenditure over what has taken place in 1974–75. We shall consider what further guidance is necessary when the rate support grant negotiations are concluded.