§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the outcome of consultations in England and Wales on the Green Paper, "Paying for Local Government".
§ Mr. RidleyThere have been 1,217 responses received in England and 120 in Wales during the consultation period which closed on 31 October. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I are considering these urgently, but I can confirm that the Government remain determined to undertake a thorough reform of local government finance in England and Wales as a matter of priority, and to propose legislation as soon as practicable. I shall make a further statement in due course.