asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has put in hand the investigation which is required to be made this year under Section 14 of the Local Government Act, 1948, into the working of the system of rate deficiency grants; and whether he will make a statement.

Yes. The local authority associations have all agreed to be represented with my Department on a working party to undertake the preliminary investigation. The working party will, I hope, hold its first meeting shortly. Any memoranda for their consideration should be sent to my Department.