§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider undertaking a survey of those local authorities in coal mining areas to ascertain the 15W financial problems that are arising on expenditure due to the continuation of the miners' strike, with a view to their exemption from financial penalties if the study reveals an increased financial burden.
§ Mr. WaldegraveIf local authorities ask for such expenditure to be disregarded my right hon. Friend will consider their representations.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ascertain from local authorities in coal mining areas the extent to which they are incurring extra financial expenditure due to granting financial assistance under the Child Care Act because of the continuation of the mining dispute with a view to exempting them from financial penalties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI have nothing to add to my reply of 10 December 1984 at column395.