§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with district councils, education and library boards and health and social services boards about cash limits; and when he expects to introduce cash limits into the local authority sector generally.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe Government set out in "The Attack on Inflation" (Cmnd. 6151) its intention to bring about the extensive use of cash limits in 1976–77, and my right hon. Friend th 361W Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the debate on the Address on 25th November 1975—[Vol. 901, c. 708]—details on the application of cash limits to central Government Departments would be published around the beginning of the financial year. The introduction, application and general pattern of coverage in respect of cash limits for Northern Ireland will be similar to those for Great Britain.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have held discussions with representatives of the Association of Local Authorities of Northern Ireland about the general implications of cash limits. Officials have also had informal talks with officers of education and library boards and health and social services boards.