§ 34. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the imposition of increased rates on top of largely increased assessments is imposing an unbearable burden upon poorer districts such as Kirkdale, Liverpool, where it threatens to ruin many, including ex-service men, who are endeavouring to carry on small businesses with little capital; that the situation would be considerably relieved if an arrangement could be made by which the repayment of the West Derby union's overdraft of £300,000, due to exceptional circumstances, could be spread over several years instead of being demanded immediately; and whether, in view of the distress arising from unemployment and bad trade, he will assist in arranging for this repayment to be spread as suggested?
§ Sir A. MONDI understand that the deficit occurred mainly because the calls made by the guardians were insufficient to meet their current expenditure, and I do not think that ordinary current expenditure should be spread over a term of years. If, however, any part of the overdraft relates to expenditure of a capital nature I should be ready to consider an application for sanction to a loan.
§ Mr. PENNEFATHERWill the right hon. Gentleman be willing to receive a deputation of Members whose constituencies are affected with regard to this subject?
§ Sir A. MONDI will be very pleased to.
§ Mr. PENNEFATHERThank you.