§ Mr. MacGregorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will define the net expenditure mentioned in his answer on local authority increments to the hon. Member for Norfolk, South on 31st October 1975, with particular reference to whether it means any increase in the total wage and salary bill as compared with 1975–76, including rises negotiated up to the £6 limit, or whether such rises are excluded for this purpose.
§ Mr. John SilkinNet expenditure means gross expenditure less income from charges, etc. It includes all expenditure, including any increase in wages and salaries as well as any increase in expenditure in real terms.