§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the level of rate reductions to be achieved by the new structure of county authorities in the six metropolitan counties.
§ Mr. WaldegraveIt is not possible at this stage for the Government to make any reliable estimate of the rate reductions which could result from the abolition of the metropolitan county councils. The more efficient structure of local government in these areas will give considerable scope for expenditure reductions and lower rates.