HC Deb 30 July 1981 vol 9 c534W
Mr. Neil Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his progress in reducing circulars to local authorities.

Mr. King

In the 12 months ended 30 April 1981, Government Department issued 614 circulars and other communications to local authorities in Great Britain. Compared with the 1,873 communications issued during the last 12 months of the previous Administration, this is a reduction of 67 per cent. Government advice is continuing to be confined strictly to matters on which local authorities really need information and guidance.

I take this opportunity of correcting the figures given in my right hon. Friend's written answer of 29 July 1980.—[Vol. 989, c. 628.] The number of communications issued in the 12 months ended 30 April 1980 was 671, representing a reduction of 64 per cent. on the previous 12 months.