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Part of Bill Presented – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 14 December 1978.

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Photo of Mr Peter Shore Mr Peter Shore , Tower Hamlets Stepney and Poplar 12:00, 14 December 1978

That is a familiar criticism of the method of regression analysis based upon actual expenditure of local authorities. I understand the criticism but do not take the point that, if the actual expenditure of authorities is looked at across the country as a whole, we can see that we are simply reflecting the whims and caprices of a few spendthrift authorities. We are taking the aggregate expenditure of local government. Unless we are to say that the whole of local government is irresponsible, I do not believe that such criticism can stand up.