§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will send out a circular to local authorities encouraging them, as part of the Government's inflation policy (a) to cut down on civic hospitality and official visits, (b) to employ no extra staff, (c) to review their establishment of staff, (d) to defer schemes which while desirable are not essential and (e) to limit their rate increases.
§ Mr. John SilkinI have already given full advice to authorities about their expenditure in 1975–76 in Circular 171/74. I shall be discussing their expenditure in 1976–77 with the authorities in the course of the rate support grant negotiations and in the Consultative Council.