§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department has had any approaches from the Association of London Authorities; if he will list them together with any reply he has given; if he will make it his policy not to have any contacts with this association; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe association's approach to this Department has been a circular letter sent earlier this month to Ministers and others about the founding of the association. The Department of the Environment acknowledged this approach for the Government as a whole, and no reply went from this Department. We will consider any further approach if and when it arises.