§ 9. Mr. LAWTHERasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will seek to give to rural district councils a larger grant than at present allowed by the Unemployment Grants Committee for the essential work of improving their water supplies?
Mr. THOMASAs stated by my hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster during the Debate on the 4th of last month, the present Government have offered greatly improved terms for certain types of work, including rural water supplies. The new terms, which are generous, provide for grants equivalent to approximately 41 per cent. of the capital cost, as compared with 26 per cent. under the old terms, and must be regarded as the final offer of the Government.
§ Mr. HASLAMHas the right hon. Gentleman received any applications from rural district councils for these grants since this offer?
Mr. THOMASQuite a number; the changed terms have certainly brought forward a number of applications.
§ Mr. GOULDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the de-rating proposals, which have affected the value of a penny rate in agricultural areas, make it impossible for them to consider schemes of work?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think that that has anything to do with this question.