§ Mr. Fieldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if be will list the numbers (a) eligible and (b) receiving rate rebates since the introduction of the national rate rebate scheme; and if he will express the numbers receiving as a percentage of those eligible.
§ Mr. KingThe Government intend to tackle the problems of inner city areas in the most effective and economical way possible. We shall be discussing with the local authorities concerned what steps may be needed in particular areas. As a first step, my right hon. Friend has written to the leaders of the partnership local authorities notifying them that Ministers will attend the next round of partnership committee meetings.