To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what advice he will be giving the Department of the Environment about the discussions and meeting the hon. Member for Isle of Wight had with Mr. Orchard about the small database of the new earnings survey on the Isle of Wight and its effect on the area cost adjustment formulae. [35872]

I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to my hon. Friend shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.