§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether his letter sent on 2 December 1983 by his Department to local authorities in Wales concerning a moratorium on new capital commitments is intended as a request for their consideration or as an instruction to them on this matter.
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§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI have not imposed a formal moratorium, but I have asked councils to limit their capital spending in the current year, making it clear I prefer to rely on voluntary co-operation and trusting each council will play its part. If it becomes necessary to reduce next year's capital resources because of pressure on the 1984–85 cash limit I shall, in the interests of equity take into ccount the response of individual authorities to my request.