50. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Prime Minister if, when he is considering the extension of Section 1 of the Local Authorities (Financial Provi- 1978 sions) Act, 1921, he will at the same time take into consideration the desirability of giving corresponding relief to local authorities outside the Metropolitan Poor Law area?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTER (for the Minister of Health)If the hon. Member has any practical suggestion to make for giving effect to this proposal, my right hon. Friend will be happy to consider it.
Mr. THOMSONIs not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that proposals have been laid before the Department that would enable these grants to be made, and will he ask the Minister to refresh his memory as to what has happened?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI do not think my right hon. Friend's memory needs refreshing on this subject.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWhere is he?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERIf, however, the hon. Member will present personally any suggestions, my right hon. Friend will, as I have said in my reply, be glad to consider them.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill he go to a necessitous area for a constituency?
§ 65. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Prime Minister whether the Government in tends, during the present Session, to bring in legislation extending the life of Section 1 of the Local Authorities (Financial Provisions) Act, 1921?
§ 49. Mr. AMMONasked the Prime Minister whether he will, before this Parliamentary Session ends, introduce legislation that will carry over Section 1 of the Local Authorities (Financial Provisions) Act, 1921, to the re-assembling of Parliament, in order to safeguard against the bankruptcy of the poorer boroughs which would follow should the Act lapse at the end of this month?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERAs I have previously stated, the general question is receiving consideration at the present time, but it will not be possible to initiate legislation in the present Session. If the Government decide that legislation is required it will be introduced next Session and made retrospective.
§ Mr. TURTONWill the hon. Gentleman undertake, in the event of legislation being introduced and being retrospective, as promised, that the Government auditor shall not make his visit before the Royal Assent is given to any such action?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI will represent that to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman also represent to the Minister, who is not here, this I Will the Minister of Health continue to make the necessary money advances to enable the poorer boroughs to carry on their work until the legislation is passed? Will you inform the right hon. Gentleman that these poorer districts are unable to pay unless the money comes from the Common Poor Fund or from the Treasury, as now?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI will let my right hon. Friend know that this evening.