asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the percentage increase in rate support grant payable to Lancashire in each of the last three years.

Lancashire's entitlement to needs element under the main RSG order for 1975–76, 1976–77 and 1977–78 showed increases of 50 per cent., 30 per cent. and 7 per cent., respectively, over the corresponding payments for the preceding year. The county does not receive resources grant.