§ 55. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the announcement made to local authorities that the Ministry of Health are now found to have no power to authorise a council to raise money on the security of the general rate for purposes of water supply or sewerage, which were special expenses under Section 229 of the Public Health Act, 1875, means will be taken to carry out the purpose of the Ministry as expressed in the Debate on the Local Government Bill, 1929?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI am advised that a loan for the water supply or sewerage of a rural parish must be secured on the 587 special rates of the parish. The rural district council may, however, under the Local Government Act, 1929, agree to contribute from the general rate the whole or a portion of the loan charges for a period of years. The point is not, therefore, of much practical importance; but an amendment of the law to enable a, loan for a lump-sum contribution to be secured on the general rate will be considered when a favourable opportunity occurs.
§ Mr. HURDDoes that mean that the purpose of Parliament cannot be carried out because the law has decided otherwise?
§ Mr. GREENWOODNo. I think that the question is not one of very large importance, because alternative measures are available.