§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of total Government revenue was transferred in grants to local authorities in 1978–79; how much parliamentary time was devoted in the last Session to discussing this allocation and its distribution; what proposals he has to increase parliamentary scrutiny of such a substantial proportion of public funds; and if he will make a statement
§ Mr. KingSome 17 per cent. of United Kingdom Government receipts on both revenue and capital account was transferred to authorities in England and Wales in 1978–79. The debate on the rate support grant and the associated increase orders took four hours; hon. Members also tabled questions and raised matters on the Adjournment.
My right hon. Friend will lay his proposals for this year's rate support grant settlement before the House later this year; the House will then have a chance to debate them.