§ 53. Mr. GALLACHERasked the Minister of Health the total loss of rateable value and income from rates which local authorities will suffer if the recent decision of the House of Lords regarding 1402 the rateable value of the Southern Railway is carried into effect; which the affected authorities are and what the respective losses will be in each case; what losses in the block grant under the Local Government Act, 1929, will be suffered by each of the authorities in question; and whether similar information is available for the local authorities receiving income from rates from the London and North Eastern Railway, the London Midland and Scottish Railway, and the Great Western Railway?
§ Sir K. WOODThe matter is still sub judice, and I think that until it is finally determined the substantial work which would be involved in arriving even at estimates of the figures asked for by the hon. Member would not be justified.
§ Mr. THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Commission which is considering the matter will be able to make a definite statement as to whether the local authorities will have to make repayments in respect of the past five years?
§ Sir K. WOODWe are awaiting the result of the application which is now being made to the Commission which deals with these matters, and after that the matter will have to be further considered.
§ Mr. EDEWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that most of the rating authorities are now engaged in making their rates, and that the absence of information upon this matter is causing very great difficulty?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, I received a deputation from the authorities yesterday.
68. Mr. DAVID ADAMSasked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to remedy the position created by the recent decision of the House of Lords in the Southern Railway Company's case, confirming as it does in principle the nil assessment of the undertaking of the London and North Eastern Railway Company, which has created concern and apprehension in the local authorities concerned?
§ Sir K. WOODI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 5th March to the hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr. Whiteley).