§ Mr. Ralph HowellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many measures and directives have been sent from central Government to Norfolk county council which have required Norfolk county council to(a) increase its activities and (b) employ extra staff; and if he will list each one since 1979.
§ Mr. KeyThe information is not available. Since 1984, however, the Department has closely monitored all central Government initiatives with resource implications for local authorities generally. Estimates of costs are made as accurately and as early as possible and are then taken into account, with all other relevant factors, when the annual local authority finance settlement is made.