§ 85. Sir A. YEOasked the Minister of Health if, in view of the urgency of the matter, he will expedite the introduction of legislation to empower local authorities to pay reasonable contributions to the funds of national and district, or provincial joint industrial councils, which have been or may be established and recognised by the Ministry of Labour, for industries and services in which such authorities are concerned; and if, pending the introduction and passing of such legislation, he will issue a circular under the Local Authorities (Expenses) Act,1887,to local authorities intimating that these authorities may contribute to the funds of such joint industrial councils without liability to surcharge?
§ Questions in similar terms stood on the Order Paper in the names of Mr. Hallos and Mr. Jephcott.
§ Mr. PARKER (Lord of the Treasury)My right hon. Friend hopes to introduce legislation for this purpose at an early date. In the meantime, if any such expenditure comes before a district auditor, an application may be made to my right hon. Friend for sanction under the Local Authorities (Expenses) Act,1887.