28. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, owing to continued unemployment, the present cost of school feeding is imposing an extra charge upon the ratepayers in England and Wales of over £30,000 per month in excess of last year on account of the Government's reduction of the grant in aid; and whether, in view of the seriousness of this burden, the Government propose to take any steps to prevent this additional cost being thrown on industrial and other districts already heavily over rated?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Alfred Mond)I can add nothing to the answer given by the Leader of the House on the 8th May to questions put by the hon. Member and the hon. Member for the Dartford Division.
Mr. THOMSONWhy should expenses which were a national charge last year be a charge on local authorities this year, when the rates are so much higher than they were last year?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for argument.