§ Mr. Durantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on the reduction of the number of circulars from Her Majesty's Government to local authorities.
§ Mr. HeseltineIn the 12 months ended 30 April 1982, Government Departments issued 592 circulars and similar 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 68 per cent. This follows reductions of 64 per cent. and 67 per cent. in our two previous years of office. Government advice is continuing to be confined strictly to matters on which local authorities really need information and guidance.