asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if unemployment will be a factor in the calculations for rate support grant for 1977–78.

Final decisions have yet to be taken on the arrangements for the 1977–78 rate support grant distribution and, therefore, I have nothing further to add to the reply on 27th July to my hon. Friend.—[Vol. 916, c. 171.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to change the formula for the distribution of the rate support grant needs element for 1977–78.

I plan to announce final decisions on the arrangements for the distribution of the rate support grant in 1977–78 on 22nd November.