HC Deb 19 December 1929 vol 233 cc1619-20
55. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Minister of Health whether he intends to introduce any proposals to Parliament with regard to the communications he has received from certain corporations or other bodies with regard to the legal liabilities that have been recently incurred by them?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I understand the right hon. Member to refer to the four local authorities affected by the failure of Corporation and General Securities, Ltd. I have been in communication with the authorities in question, but I have not been asked to introduce legislation with regard to their legal liabilities, nor do I contemplate such legislation. I may say, however, that one of the authorities is promoting a private Bill for the purpose of spreading the burden of their loss over a period of years.

Sir K. WOOD

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to indicate roughly what is the total loss incurred by the four corporations concerned?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I could not, without notice. The case of Wakefield is the local authority which was hit hardest, and there the sum involved was rather over £300,000.

Sir K. WOOD

Is there any question in any of these cases of the personal liability of any members of the corporation?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Not so far as I am aware, in the case of the four corporations.