§ 36. Sir WALDRON SMITHERSasked the Minister of Health, whether, in view of the fact that allowances are based upon the rate levied for the year in which they are written off and not upon the rate levied at the time the arrears became due, he is aware of the anomalous position created in South Wales exemplified by the arrears and allowances of the Nantyglo and Blaina Urban District Council, where the county council is compelled to grant allowances at the higher rate; and what action does he propose to take to prevent the possibility of an urban district council making a profit out of arrears?
§ Sir K. WOODI assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the operation of the precepting system, though I cannot accept his description of its possible effects on the financial relations of the authorities concerned. The circumstances of the case to which he refers were quite exceptional and do not, in my view, necessitate amendment of the statutory provisions or the rules made thereunder.
§ Sir W. SMITHERSDoes not the Minister see that the possibility is there and can be exploited?
§ Sir K. WOODI think my hon. Friend will appreciate that the circumstances were exceptional.