§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates to be the difference between the level of inflation for 1990–91 allowed for in the Government's standard spending assessments for local authorities and the figure assumed in his Budget forecasts; and what the difference in expenditure would amount to if local authorities increased their expenditure in accordance with it.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[holding answer 26 March 1990]: Standard spending assessments for local authorities, like the public expenditure plans, are set in cash terms, and do not make any particular allowance for inflation.