§ 59. Viscount CURZONasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the appointment of some body similar in constitution and functions to the Geddes Committee to overhaul the expenditure of local bodies all over the country and indicate for the benefit of the ratepayers where economies can be made?
§ Sir A. MONDThe expenditure of local bodies is primarily a question for the local ratepayers and it is for their representatives to take the necessary steps to overhaul their expenditure. All I can do is to draw their attention to the necessity for economy in local administration, and last February my Department 1901 issued a circular, a copy of which I am sending my noble and gallant Friend, urging them to review their commitments. From my knowledge that local authorities generally have made considerable efforts to reduce their expenditure, I have no doubt that in many instances this review will be reflected in a reduction of rates.