§ 75. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Minister of Health in how many areas there has been an actual decrease in the local rates per £ since April, 1928; and in how many there has been an increase?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Miss Lawrence)Full particulars of the amounts in the £ of the local rates levied for the financial year 1930–31 have not yet been received, but in the course of the next few months a statement will be issued as a Stationery Office publication giving these particulars, and comparing the figures for 1930–31 with those for 1929–30, for each rating area in England and Wales. A similar statement, comparing 1929–30 with 1928–29, was issued as a Stationery Office publication in August last. I would point out, however, that the first new valuation lists under the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, were in force throughout the year 1928–29 in only 102 out of 1,800 rating areas. Consequently a comparison between that year and later years on the lines desired by the hon. Member might be misleading.
Mr. LANWTHERAre any of the decreases due to the Unemployment Insurance Act keeping people off the rates?
§ Miss LAWRENCEThe hon. Member must wait for the figures.