asked the Minister for the Environment the amount of the proposed reduction in rate support grants to be effected in each year under the programme Building on Reality, 1985-1987.

Building on Reality, 1985-1987 does not propose a reduction in rates support grants for any of the years to which it relates. In 1985 the combined rates support grants were actually increased by £7 million. I am not in a position to give the provisions for these grants in 1986 and 1987 until the Estimates for these years are decided on by Government; but I can say that the increased global allocations for current expenditure in 1986 and 1987 in the Environment Vote, contained in table 7.1 of the plan, reflect increased provisions for these grants.

The Minister's reply is very unsatisfactory as, in the summary booklet of Building on Reality it states that part of the Government's policy is the curtailment of rates support grants which seems to contradict the reply which the Minister has given.

Written replies will be given to the questions which have not been reached unless a Member wishes to have the question put down again for oral answer. If so, he should inform the General Office before 4 p.m. today.