§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to reply to the telegram request from the chairman of the Birmingham city council planning committee dated 23 December for an assurance that expenditure on snow and ice clearance would not have adverse effects on the 1982–83 rate support grant settlement; and what has been the reason for the delay in replying.
§ Mr. KingMy hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State wrote to Councillor Knowles on 25 January. I have sent a copy of that letter to the hon. Member.