asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to increasing the limits on candidates' election expenses in the forthcoming district council elections to take account of rising costs since the previous elections.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, will shortly lay an order under section 2(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1978 to increase the limits on expenses for candidates at local government elections, including those to the Scottish district councils.