Local Government Finance 46. Mr. Cartwright asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he is undertaking as part of his review of local government finance. Mr. Waldegrave I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Ashford (Mr. Speed) on 4 March, at column 349, by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government. 54. Mr. Fisher asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a progress report on the studies on local government finance being carried out by his Department. Mr. Waldegrave The Prime Minister and colleagues discussed the studies on 31 March. They welcomed the progress which had been made so far. There is much further work to be done over the next few months and in due course there will be opportunities for wider public discussion before final decisions are made.