§ 57. Sir HERBERT SAMUELasked the Minister of Health what is the amount paid to local authorities from the Exchequer each year as a consequence of the passing of the Derating Act; and the total paid up to date?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe annual amount of the new consolidated grants payable to local authorities in England and Wales from 1st April, 1930, under the Local Government Act, 1929, is estimated at £45,550,000 and includes a sum at present estimated at £22,423,000 in respect of loss of rate income caused by derating. The amount of the grants paid to local authorities from 1st April, 1930, to date is £49,450,000. The transitory grants paid to authorities in respect of loss of rate income caused by derating for the year 1929–30 under the Agricultural Rates Act, 1929, and Section 112 of the Local Government Act, 1929, amount to £13,100,000.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIn view of the criticism that large sums are paid to firms who do not need them, is any revision of the law contemplated?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThat is a question of which, I think, the hon. Member might give me notice.
§ Sir K. WOODIs it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman himself stated several times in this House—
§ Major McKENZIE WOODMay I ask whether those figures include Scotland?
§ Mr. GREENWOODNo, they are for England and Wales.