asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a statement on the estimated effect of the London Government Act on rates in the London boroughs during the present financial year.

No, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have had many complaints from ratepayers in my constituency about increases in rates due to this Act?

Yes. I, too, speak as a London Member. I think we had all better wait and see what the position is in the rating assessment which will come up in April of next year, because by that time the London Government Act will have been working for a year and there will be no rough estimate, as I think there was in the last year.

Is it not the fact that the great majority of the major increases took place in Labour-controlled boroughs? Can the Joint Parliamentary Secretary explain why that is so?

Probably because the Labour-controlled boroughs give a better service.