§ 54. Dr. MORRIS-JONESasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the expense involved to local authorities in the review of county districts under the Local Government Act of 1929, he will suspend for a period the provisions of the Act dealing with the matter?
Sir H. YOUNGI do not consider that it is in the national interest to postpone these reviews. One of their objects is to promote economy of administration, and a number of them have already been carried out or are far advanced.
§ Dr. MORRIS-JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that small local authorities may be involved in serious expense and hardship under this Act, especially in cases where opposition is raised?
Sir H. YOUNGAttention has been given to representations that have been made to that effect; nevertheless, the merits of the matter are contained in the answer which I have given.
§ Sir JOSEPH LAMBIs it not a fact that these representations are largely the ground on which we are asking for the suspension of the re-valuation?
Sir H. YOUNGI am not sure whether I understand the inference of the hon. Members question. Nevertheless, I think that the point still holds that a great deal more would be lost than would be gained at the present time by any postponement of the nature referred to.