§ 96. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health if he has considered the circumstances attending the general decrease of the incomes of the majority of ratepayers in the country: is he aware that just as the people of a locality become poorer, so the social services required become greater: and whether he will consider representations to the Government for relief to localities from a greater portion of the cost of maintenance of highways, education and police services?
§ Sir K. WOODI am afraid that the complicated question of the relations between national and local taxation cannot be adequately dealt with within 2074 the limits of an answer to a question. But in any case it is, in the view of my right hon. Friend, essential that, before any revision of the present Exchequer grants is undertaken, there should first be secured an equitable system of rating and valuation, and, as the hon. Member knows, my right hon. Friend hopes to introduce a Bill dealing with this subject at an early date.