§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to make an announcement about the Local government Finance Settlement for Scotland for 1999–2000. [64781]
686W
§ Mr. DewarI expect to make my announcement shortly. Following the usual consultation with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities over the proposals for the distribution of Aggregate External Finance (AEF), I intend to lay the necessary Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order in early February 1999 for approval by this House. I will ensure that the details of my proposals, which will be issued as a Circular to all Scottish local authorities, will be made available in the House Library at the same time as my announcement.