HC Deb 01 December 1920 vol 135 cc1245-6
67. Mr. BAR RAND

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the recent statement of the ex-chairman of the Bradford Corporation Finance and General Purposes Committee to the effect that the inquiry into the Leeds and Bradford extension schemes will cost each of those cities at least £60,000; whether the ratepayers of those cities have ever had an opportunity in any shape or form of expressing an opinion upon these schemes, involving as they do a heavy additional burden on the rates; and whether, before he considers these schemes, he will require that such an opportunity shall be given to those upon whom the financial burden of this inquiry will fall?

Dr. ADDISON

I have no official information in regard to the matters mentioned in the first and second parts of the ques- tion, and have no authority to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the question. I may perhaps remind my hon. Friend that I have made suggestions to the parties concerned, which, if adopted, would materially diminish the expense of these inquiries. I would point out that there was quite recently a municipal election in each of these boroughs, and that I cannot question the representative character of those elected by the people.

Mr. BARRAND

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the necessary steps to obtain powers to enable him to assist the ratepayers of these cities in resisting the waste of public money on inquiries—

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the hon. Member entitled to read a supplementary question?

Mr. BARRAND

I was merely referring to my notes. Perhaps I may complete my question—If the right hon. Gentleman has, as stated, not the statutory powers at the present time to interfere in this matter, will he take steps to obtain such powers, so as to enable ratepayers who are resisting these unnecessary expenses to take effective action in the matter, seeing that they are opposing schemes which they do not approve, and with regard to which they have never been consulted?

Dr. ADDISON

There has been recently a municipal election in Leeds and Bradford. These questions cropped up and were discussed in great detail. I think it most undesirable for any Department to go behind the elected representatives of the ratepayers, who must speak through those representatives.