§ 48. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Health what contribution to the local rates in the Poplar area, in the last available year, is made from, the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund, the Equalisation of Rates Fund, and Exchequer 1569 grants; and what steps his Ministry is taking in relation to the rates in this area, in view of their effect upon industry?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIn the financial year 1926–27 the Poplar Borough Board of Guardians received £520,095 from the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund, and £22,007 from the Exchequer Contribution Account of the London County Council or from Government Departments. In the same year the Poplar Borough Council received £26,095 from the London (Equalisation of Rates) Fund and £30,879 from the Exchequer Contribution Account of the London County Council or from Government Departments. As regards the last part of the question, it is not clear what kind of action my hon. Friend contemplates that I could or should take.
§ Mr. HURDWould it not be desirable for the Commissioners to see whether the work cannot be done elsewhere?