§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the Government's contributions to local authorities which are dependent on prior consultation with chambers of commerce; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KingNo Government grants to local authorities are formally dependent on consultation with chambers of commerce. Under the urban programme, however, as the policy guidelines issued in July 1981 make clear, inner area programmes are not approved until Ministers are satisfied that there has been meaningful consultation with the private sector. This is normally done through members of the local chamber of commerce or other appropriate mechanisms.