§ Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent the Government have reduced circulars to local authorities; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. HeselrineIn the 12 months ended 30 April 1980, Government Departments issued 654 circulars and other communications to local authorities in Great Britain. The figure for the previous 12 months was 1,873. This is a 65 per cent. reduction. Government advice will continue to be confined strictly to matters on which information and guidance is really needed by authorities.