§ 19. Mr. Home Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his discussions with Lothian regional council about its budget.
§ Mr. Allan StewartI welcome the prompt decision taken by the council following the regional elections to allow the ratepayers to benefit from a substantial reduction in planned expenditure. My right hon. Friend hopes to reach a decision soon on the council's proposal that, instead of £45 million, the reduction in planned expenditure for 1982–83 should be £30.7 million.