asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to safeguard the incomes of those members of local authorities whose sole income is the attendance allowance.

My right hon. Friend has no such plans at present. The Robinson Committee is currently examing all aspects of councillors' remuneration, and it would be inappropriate to anticipate its conclusions by making any change at this stage, even as an interim measure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much the real value of the local government attendance allowance has now fallen since it was fixed in April 1974.

Approximately £3·91 calculated by reference to the retail price index.