§ 43. Mr. TAYLORasked the Minister of Health whether he has sanctioned, under the Local Authorities (Expenses) Act, 1887, the levying of a local rate for the upkeep of privately-owned baths at any place other than Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire; and whether he is prepared to consider applications for similar subsidies from the local rates from other privately-owned undertakings in this country carrying on a similar business to that carried on by the Maple Trustees at Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire?
§ Sir K. WOODThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, any application made to my right hon. Friend, under circumstances similar to those at Woodhall Spa, would be considered on its merits.
§ Mr. TAYLORCan the Parliamentary Secretary say whether there has ever been a previous case analogous to this where a local rate has been sanctioned for the upkeep of private property?
§ Sir K. WOODI cannot say. From my investigation of this matter, I am informed that this is a special case, which received the unanimous approval of the council.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not a fact that if these baths had not been kept up the people in that locality would have suffered very severely for want of visitors?