The Sources and Nature of the Statistics of the United Kingdom, produced under the auspices of the Royal S~atistical Society and edited by Maurice Kendall, filled a notable gap on the library shelves when it made its appearance in the early post-war years. Through a series of critical reviews by many of the foremost national experts, it constituted a valuable contemporary guide to statisticians working in many fields as well as a bench-mark to which historians of the development of Statistics in this country are likely to return again and again. The Social Science Research Council\* and the Society were both delighted when Professor Maunder came forward with the proposal that a revised version should be produced, indicating as well his willingness to take on the onerous task of editor. The two bodies were more than happy to act as co-sponsors of the project and to help in its planning through a joint steering committee. The result, we are confident, will be judged a worthy successor to the previous volumes by the very much larger 'statistics public' that has come into being in the intervening years. Mrs SUZANNE REEVE Mrs EJ. SNELL Secretary Honorary Secretary Economic and Social Research Council Royal Statistical Society \*SSRC is now the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). vii MEMBERSHIP OF JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE (November 1986) Chairman: Miss S. V. Cunliffe Representing the Royal Statistical Society: Mr M. C. Fessey Dr S. Rosenbaum Mrs E. J. Front Matter....Pages i-8 Introduction....Pages 11-13 Organisation and Functions of Local Authorities....Pages 14-17 Financial Statistics: General Considerations....Pages 18-23 Financial Statistics: Expenditure....Pages 24-36 Financial Statistics: Rates....Pages 37-45 Financial Statistics: Government Grants....Pages 46-54 Financial Statistics: Borrowing and Debt....Pages 55-60 Financial Statistics: Miscellaneous Income....Pages 61-67 Rateable Values and Penny Rate Products....Pages 68-73 Manpower Earnings and Hours....Pages 74-79 Elections....Pages 80-82 Public Protection....Pages 83-96 Transport....Pages 97-102 Environmental Services....Pages 103-114 Miscellaneous....Pages 115-120 Complaints....Pages 121-122 Conclusion....Pages 123-128 Back Matter....Pages 129-342
