asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the approximate increase in the cost of local government services in the current financial year; and what the increase is expected to be in 1974–75.

So far as 1973–74 is concerned I would refer the hon. Member to the recent report on the Rate Support Grant (Increase) No. 2 Order 1973 (HC48). As regards 1974–75, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made on 22nd January by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, in which he said that local authority relevant expenditure in 1974–75 would grow in real terms by 2½ per cent.