§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the approximate number of letters received by his Department since the start of the current financial year expressing concern at a possible moratorium on, or cuts in, local authority capital spending on construction; and what has been the general nature of his replies.
§ Mr. GowApproximately 50 letters have been received. In reply we have acknowledged the concern of local authorities and the construction industry about the consequences of any such action. But we have also made it clear that we shall have to consider other factors in considering whether or not any action is required.