asked the Prime Minister what representations she has received from the town clerk of Manchester with regard to part VI of the Local Government, Planning and Land (No. 2) Bill; what reply she is sending and if she will make a statement.

I have received a letter dated 24 March asking the Government to give further consideration to the local authority associations' alternative to the Government's proposals on block grant. The same letter was sent to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, who will be replying on behalf of the Government.The associations' proposals were unacceptable, but the Government have invited them to submit constructive amendments in Committee to incorporate any additional safeguards, consistent with the basic principles of block grant, on the operation of the system.