§ 62. Mr. SEXTONasked the Minister of Health what steps he intends to take to carry out the recommendation of the Commissioner for Special Areas third report, recommendation 13, whereby the public assistance rate in the Special Areas would be reduced by the equalisation of the rate throughout the country?
§ Mr. R. S. HUDSONI would refer the hon. Member to the general statement on the Commissioner's report made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the course of the Debate on Tuesday last.
§ Mr. WHITELEYIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that the whole matter was dealt with when a deputation came here from the London County Council and put the question of rates first and foremost, and that the Government or the Minister of Health on behalf of the Government said that this would receive consideration; that this was some months ago. What is being done? Are we still to wait?
§ Mr. J. GRIFFITHSIs it not the fact that almost every county council in the depressed areas has made a request to be relieved from this burden; and is the Department considering the question?
§ Mr. HUDSONThis is not a matter that could possibly be dealt with by question and answer.