I know that this argument can be carried too far, and I accept some of the points made by the Under-Secretary, but it seemed to me - and I think to all my colleagues - that, faced with this particular Crisis in Inner London, the local authorities, recognising and knowing their own problems, were only asking for the opportunity to use their own limited resources in the way which they felt would best assist their own businesses - and particularly small businesses, as has been emphasised - in their own areas.

The Bill that I am seeking to introduce draws attention to the way in which we find the necessary funds to pay for public education; but my immediate reason for its introduction is that the reform of the rating system which is in prospect for the coming year is producing a Crisis in Inner London.