§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the town clerk of Manchester with regard to part VI of the Local Government, Planning and Land (No. 2) Bill; what reply he is sending; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KingMy right hon. Friend and I have received a letter dated 24 March about the Government's proposals on block grant, asking the Government to give further consideration to the local authority associations' alternative proposals. I will send the right hon. Member a copy of the reply.
The associations' proposals were unacceptable but the Government have invited them to submit constructive amendments in Committee to incorporate any additional safeguards, consistent with the basic principles of block grant, on the operation of the system.