§ 76. Sir A. FELLasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the great increase in the poor rate in many of the districts of Greater London; if this rate has been increased from 6d. to 9d. in the £ in certain cases; if he can explain the cause of this increase, considering the small number of poor now receiving assistance; and if he will consider the effect this increase must have on the erection of houses?
§ Sir T. WALTERSThe amount per pound assessable value of the poor rate has increased to the extent stated in thy question in many parishes in Greater London, but it may be pointed out that 1126 the expenses charged on that rate include, in addition to the cost of the relief of the poor, the cost of many services, such as education, main roads, lunatic asylums, and police, requiring labour and material which local authorities have to obtain at current prices.