§ 60. Mr. Mikardoasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what study he has made of the research by a member of the teaching staff of North-East London polytechnic referred to him by the hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Bow, into the distribution of rate support grant which shows that inner city boroughs have been continuously and gravely disadvantaged for the benefit of more prosperous outer areas; and what steps he proposes to take to correct these anomalies and injustices.
§ Mr. ShoreI am studying the paper, but the evidence I have confirms that the RSG distribution arrangements work consistently to the advantage of inner city areas. I am, however, aware that rate rises in recent years have been greater in inner than in outer London. This is one of the factors which I shall have in mind when I announce my proposals for the 1979–80 rate support grant distribution arrangements very shortly.