§ 31. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the sanitation of many rural districts is unsatisfactory; that local authorities are seldom able, for financial reasons, to exercise the powers they possess; that consequently the Public Health Act of 1878 is to this extent a dead letter; and whether he will introduce legislation to modify the Public Health Acts as they affect villages and afford local authorities financial help from the Exchequer?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)The question raised by the hon. Member is at present, with other questions of local government, engaging the attention of the Royal Commission under the Chairmanship of Lord Onslow. My right hon. Friend must await the result of their deliberations, though he may say that he could hold out no hope of Exchequer assistance towards purely local obligations of this kind.
§ Sir R. THOMASCan the right hon. Gentleman state when those deliberations are likely to be made public?
§ Sir K. WOODNo.
§ Sir R. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman try and expedite the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODYes.
§ Sir HENRY CAUTLEYAre the Commission also considering the question of small villages with a water supply quite beyond their scope?
§ Sir K. WOODI will inquire.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIs it not already part of the terms of reference of the Royal Commission on Local Government? Will they not deal with this question?
§ Sir K. WOODI have already made that answer.