§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of his answer to the hon. Member for Ross, Cromarty and Skye, of 21 July, he will (a) indicate the timescales and mechanisms involved in developing his proposals on rates through consultation and discussion on the wider proposals for the reform of local government finance, (b) identify those with whom he intends to so consult and (c) clarify the extent to which such consultations and discussions will focus on the reform of local government finance in (i) Scotland alone, (ii) England and Wales alone and (iii) some combination of (i) and (ii) above; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonI refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's remarks during the debate on the Social Security Bill yesterday.