HC Deb 16 March 1938 vol 333 c409
44. Mr. Rostron Duckworth

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the continued upward trend of municipal expenditure; and whether he can arrange for an official statement to be published each year on the increase in rates of the different rating authorities of the country?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernays)

My right hon. Friend is aware of the position to which my hon. Friend refers in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I would refer him to the statement entitled "Rates and Rateable Values in England and Wales" published annually in April by my Department, a copy of which I will send to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Thorne

Is the hon. Member not aware that one of the causes is to be found in the many obligations which Parliament places upon local authorities?