§ 40. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health the amount of the 1121 poor rate levied for the West Ham Poor Law Union area for the half-year ending September, 1929; whether there is any increase in the assessments of each local authority comprising the area; and, if so, the total amount of the increase and what amount of the reduction in the poor rate is due to increased assessments?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)I am informed that the precepts issued by the guardians of the West Ham Union in respect of the coming half-year call for a rate of 27.75 pence in the pound. This is a reduction of 8.25 pence on the previous rate. I understand that the total assessments of areas within the union will show an increase, but I am not yet in a position to give the exact figures. It is estimated, however, that the product of a penny rate will be increased from £13,786 to £16,673 and of the total reduction of 8.25 pence, 6.24 pence is attributed to the increased product of the penny rate and 2.01 pence to the reduced requirements of the guardians.
§ Mr. THORNECan the Parliamentary Secretary say why, seeing that as a consequence of a jump in the assessments in the Poor Law area, the rates have gone down by 6d. in the £, the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. W. Thorne) has to pay £2 extra?
§ Miss LAWRENCECan the hon. Member tell me how much of this appreciation in assessment is due to West Ham, East Ham, and the separate districts?
§ Sir K. WOODI must have notice of that question.