§ 45. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the need for the appointment of a Royal Commission to investigate the unsatisfactory nature of the existing rating system, the unfair incidence of local taxation, and the anomalous situation created through the effect of the present system of rating?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)I am not satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for the appointment of a Royal Commission as suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. SmithIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that derating and the Government's financial policy are throwing more and more financial responsibilities on to local authorities, and are strangling local authorities, and will he reconsider his reply?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that I can add to the answer which I have given.
§ Mr. ThorneWill the Prime Minister, between now and Budget Day, consider the advisability of giving the local authorities a bigger contribution under the block grant?
§ The Prime MinisterThat appears to be a question for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.