§ 17. Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the terms of reference of the Widdicombe inquiry into local government finance include consideration of the employment by local authorities of commercial polling organisations to carry out political canvassing in their areas.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe terms of reference of the Widdicombe inquiry include the need to clarify the limits and conditions governing discretionary spending by local authorities. I hope my hon. Friend will submit evidence of any abuses to the committee.