§ Lord Mulleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What percentage of total local government expenditure was covered by central government in the financial years 1978–79 and 1986–87 respectively, and whether these figures are on a similar basis or whether any, and if so what, adjustment should be made.
The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (The Earl of Caithness)The information on a consistent basis for the two years is as follows:
Aggregate Exchequer Grant(1) as a percentage of relevant expenditure—all local authorities in Great Britain.
% 1978–79 61.5 1986–87 47.0 (1)Comprising rate support grant, specific and supplementary grants.