asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many questionnaires were sent to councillors by the Committee of Inquiry into the System of Remuneration of Members of Local Authorities; how many have replied; and what has been the cost to date of this exercise.

I understand from the chairman of this independent commitee that 6,980 questionnaires were sent; 5,061 replies have been received; and the cost to date has been approximately£11,000.