§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware that, because of grant losses, since 1973–74 Hertfordshire County Council's rates have increased by 15 per cent. more than those for the whole country, although its increase in expenditure has been 20 per cent. less than the national average; what steps he intends to take to prevent further grant losses to the county in 1978–79 which would result in severe cuts in education and social services; and if he will make a statement on his proposals to ensure that stability in introduced into the rates support grant distribution.
§ Mr. Guy Barnett:The Government's proposals on the 1978–79 rate support grant distribution are still being finalised. The Secretary of State will announce them at the statutory meeting of the local authority associations on 18th November.