§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the local authority associations concerning capital challenge; and if he will make a statement. [3087]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordMy right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration met the leaders of the local authority associations on 18 March to discuss their response to the Government's proposals for a pilot scheme. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State holds regular meetings with the local authority association chairmen, at which progress with the capital challenge pilot has been raised.