59. Sir F. HALLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give the reason why the cost of damage done by enemy air raids to public works and sewers, etc., 219 is not transferred from the local authorities to the Exchequer, considering that those parts of the country which have been called upon to suffer the terrors of the raids are also to be made to bear the cost of same?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am afraid that I cannot add anything to previous replies to questions on this subject.
Sir F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reply was given in his absence that it was not right to agree to this, and under the circumstances can he inform the House under what conditions it is not right that these people should get the benefit of the general taxation?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThis question was considered in the last Parliament, and in the opinion of my predecessor, as well as of myself, it is not a burden that we ought to assume for the general taxpayers.