HC Deb 20 March 1930 vol 236 cc2101-2
78. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to introduce any measure to relieve householders and shopkeepers of any portion of their rates?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I am not proposing to extend the principle of de-rating.

Sir K. WOOD

Does not the right hon. Gentleman remember how his heart used to bleed for those ratepayers?

86. Mr. MORLEY

asked the Minister of Health if he has received any complaints from local governing bodies respecting the extra burdens thrown upon them by the scheme of de-rating?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Although no formal complaints of the kind referred to have been received, I understand that there is in the minds of many of the rating authorities some uncertainty as to the effect of the changes brought about by the Local Government Act, 1929. It is, however, as yet too early to make a general statement on the subject.

Mr. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of local authorities have been compelled to raise their rates from 2d. to 1s. in consequence of de-rating?