§ 80. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to 437 the recent rise in rates for the borough of Stoke-on-Trent, making the rates for the constituent borough of Hanley the highest in England; and, in view of the fact that the policy of the Government as regards production and distribution of coal is leading to the closing down of the pottery industry, will he consider the granting of a special subvention in relief of the rates for the borough of Hanley?
Mr. FISHERI do not find that my attention has been called to this matter. If any application were to be made for a subvention it would have to be made to the Treasury.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEWill the right hon. Gentle-man, at any rate, point out to the Coal Controller that the rates in this borough have now reached close on 13s. in the £, and if this industry is further closed down it will be impossible to carry on municipal government?
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEDoes the Coal Controller know the conditions relating to local government which exist in the Potteries district and in the borough of Hanley?