HC Deb 26 June 1936 vol 313 cc2192-3

3.4 p.m.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

I beg to move, in page 57, line 2, after "shall," to insert: after consultation with the county council concerned. It is true that the county councils are not directly concerned with the raising of these rates, but get the money by a precept on the rating authority; but they are very much concerned indirectly, because, if they did not get this money, the general rate would go up and the county council would be blamed for it. It would be fair to the county administration, and a protection for the county councils, that this consultation should take place. If the Minister can give an assurance that that will be the case, I shall not press the Amendment.

Sir E. RUGGLES-BRISE

I beg to second the Amendment.

3.5 p.m.

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)

I can give this assurance, that we will consider any representation made by the county council and will also consult the County Councils' Association as to the general line to be taken in the matter of the proportion between the general and the special rate.

Mr. TURTON

I hope the hon. gentleman will not carry that undertaking out too far. The Amendment is bitterly opposed by all the rural district councils of the country. It is quite unreasonable that the County Councils' Association should be consulted rather than the Rural District Councils' Association.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.