HC Deb 25 April 1893 vol 11 cc1138-9
MR. THOMAS ROBINSON (Gloucester)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, having regard to the possible early return of cholera to this country, he has considered the desirability of granting a contribution from the National Exchequer to the Local Sanitary Authorities at the different ports in this country towards any extra expenses which may be thrown upon the locality in this matter; and whether, under all the circumstances, he is prepared favourably to consider any application which may be made to him in this respect?

MR. H. H. FOWLER

I must remind my hon. Friend of the reply given by the Secretary to the Treasury to a similar question on the 17th of this mouth, and also of the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the same sub- ject in connection with his Budget last evening.

MR. HENEAGE (Great Grimsby)

I should like to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what ground he stated that the grant of this contribution would require several pennies in the £ to be added to the Income Tax? Is there any reason for supposing the sum required would exceed £200,000? Would it not probably be less than that?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir W. HARCOURT,) Derby

What I said was that I should like to receive from my right hon. Friend an estimate of the cost. I understand he puts it at £200,000.

MR. HENEAGE

Less than that.

SIR W. HARCOURT

I should like to see the details of this estimate.

MR. HENEAGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation from the various ports? Full information would then be given him.

SIR W. HARCOURT

If the right hon. Gentleman desires me to receive a deputation I certainly will do so; but I do not know that I can add anything to my former statements.