66. Captain ARTHUR EVANSasked the Minister of Health what approximate reduction in rates to the general body of ratepayers in Cardiff will be effected by the passage into law of the Local Government Bill, 1928?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt will not be possible to state precisely what benefit will be secured to the general body of ratepayers of an area by the provision of the bill until the particulars on which the new grants will be based are available. The best estimate which can at present be made on the available particulars for the year 1926–27 shows that the general ratepayers of Cardiff will benefit by the equivalent of a rate of two or three pence in the pound.
§ Mr. THURTLEAre we to take it that that reply in relation to Cardiff, as in the case of Cheltenham, will be subject to correction later on?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer states that it is impossible to give accurate estimates until full particulars are available.
Mr. BECKETTCan the right hon. Gentleman say, if the position finally works out at a saving of 2d. in the £ this year, how much it will cost Cardiff in five years time?