Local Authority Expenditure

Oral Answers to Questions — Housing and Local Government – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 December 1969.

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Photo of Mr Michael McNair-Wilson Mr Michael McNair-Wilson , Walthamstow East 12:00, 16 December 1969

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he proposes that the restriction on local authority spending will continue after this year; and for how long.

Photo of Sir Douglas Glover Sir Douglas Glover , Ormskirk

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what plans he has to limit local government spending after this year; and what effect he estimates such limitations will have on local authority house building plans.

Photo of Mr Denis Howell Mr Denis Howell , Birmingham Small Heath

The Government's plans for this and for the next two years have now been given in the recent White Paper on public expenditure. They allow for a high level of local authority housing investment.

Photo of Mr Michael McNair-Wilson Mr Michael McNair-Wilson , Walthamstow East

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that if the forecasts of public expenditure contained in the recent White Paper are implemented, decisions about the level of the rate support grant will not be subject to negotiation between the Government and local authorities, but will be imposed by the Government?

Photo of Mr Denis Howell Mr Denis Howell , Birmingham Small Heath

Certainly not. The rate support grant is always a subject of negotiation between the Government and local authorities.