§ Mr. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on why the Finance Division of the Scottish Office has to date declined to reply to letters from the Central Regional Council regarding the basis on which the guidelines for cuts in local government expenditure have been determined; and if he will now ensure that a reply is sent forthwith.
§ Mr. MillanGuidelines were issued last December, in the form of indicative figures to help local authorities keep their revenue expenditure within the rate support grant settlement for 1976–77. The nature of the guidelines was explained at that time in a departmental letter to chief executives and subsequently in the relevant circular. An enquiry by the Central Regional Council was the subject of discussion between officials at the end of last month, and a letter will be sent to the council shortly.