80. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health the average amount of the poor rate levied in the Middlesbrough Poor Law Union for the three years ending 30th September, 1914, and for the three years ending 30th September, 1924?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe information in my possession relates to financial years ending in March. It shows that the average amount in the pound of the rates required by the Middlesbrough Board of Guardians for their common fund purposes was for the three years ending 31st March, 1914, 1s. 4½d.; and for the three years ending 31st March, 1924, 5s. 8½d.
Mr. THOMSONHas the right hon. Gentleman considered that these figures indicate a special need for areas of this sort to have extra assistance, and will the Minister make representations to the Government on this question
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs I have already told the hon. Member a good many times, these areas have received special assistance.