asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider making a special grant in 1985–86 to Salford district council from the surplus of £400 million which will accrue from the penalties imposed by his Department on local authorities; and if he will make a statement.

No. The Secretary of State has no power to redistribute grant holdback due to the overspending of targets.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the effect of the change in the multiplier factor in the current year on payment by his Department to Salford city council; and if he will make a statement.

Had the multiplier remained at the 1984–85 level, Salford would have received £4,481,000 more grant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report his conclusions following his discussions with elected representatives and officers of Salford city council regarding the current rate support grant; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, who met a delegation from Salford on 14 March, concluded that no change should be made in the city council's multiplier.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the findings and recommendations of the report on, A Case for a Special Grant of £6 million, for Salford district council, a copy of which has been sent to him by Mr. Keith Hirst; if he will publish in the Official Report his reply; if there is any action he will now be taking; and if he will make a statement.

I shall send the hon. Member a copy of my Department's reply in due course.