§ 64. Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, as a result of the debts incurred by the late West Ham board of guardians and the expenditure incurred between March, 1922, and July, 1926, £2,700,000 had to be borrowed with the Ministry's consent, including a loan of £300,000, and that the amount apportioned to West Ham and East Ham was about £1,000,000, equal to a 7d. rate, while only £740,000 fell on Essex County Council, equivalent to a 2d. rate for the districts concerned; and whether he will take steps to grant a moratorium for a number of years to ease the burden upon West Ham?
§ Sir K. WoodI am aware that the amount of the loans contracted by the West Ham Board of Guardians which was outstanding on 31st March, 193o, was apportioned approximately as stated but as I mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member on the 17th instant I have no power to extend the period of repayment or to make further concessions in respect of these loans.
§ Mr. ThorneIn view of their financial difficulties, will the Minister agree to revise the agreements, so that West Ham will not be called upon to pay so much?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir, I cannot give any further undertaking.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the Minister aware that his own Government are now appealing to America to make a revision of this country's obligations?