§ 39. Mr. ELLIS SMITHasked the Minister of Health how many communications he received during the present year from local authorities asking that action should be taken to assist the high-rated industrial towns?
§ Sir K. WOODVarious suggestions for financial assistance to the councils of highly-rated areas have been made to me from time to time, but I have no record of communications addressed to me in the specific terms to which the hon. Member refers.
§ 40. Mr. SMITHasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the resolution sent from the city council of Stoke-on-Trent to the effect that the existing system of rating is inequitable and should be carefully considered with the question of land values and amended to meet present-day conditions, and also the resolution of the conference on 7th April at which 60 local authorities were represented; and whether it is proposed to take any action on the lines suggested?
§ Sir K. WOODI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hartley (Mr. Hollins) on 7th May, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. SMITHIn view of the present unfair position of northern towns, will the Minister consider the effect of high rates upon the cost of production?
§ Sir K. WOODI stated in my previous reply that I would be prepared to consider any representations supporting the resolution which local authorities wished to make in the matter.