§ MR. BENN (Devonport)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the rise in the rates levied by the borough councils of London, especially in poorer districts, he will cause an inquiry to be held into the cause or need of this increase and the possibility of further equalising the burden over the whole of London.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am informed that a considerable rise in the rates which has taken place in the County of London is being inquired into by the Local Government Board. Legislation would be required to carry out the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman.
§ SIR GEORGE BARTLEYWill any steps be taken, by legislation or otherwise, to prevent the enormous borrowing that is going on.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir, I do not think it would be possible by legislation to prevent that; at any rate no scheme for preventing it has ever been brought to my notice. This, like other questions connected with local finance, must in the last resort be left to the good sense and discretion of the ratepayers. If the ratepayers do not pay attention to their duties, no doubt not only considerable local but national inconvenience will arise.
§ SIR GEORGE BARTLEYIs it not the fact that in many cities there is a limit put to the amount which can be borrowed.
§ [No Answer was returned.]