HC Deb 31 March 1938 vol 333 cc2177-8
63. Mr. H. G. Williams

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what increase has taken place in the last 10 years in the aggregate of the rate- and grant-borne expenditure of the local authorities in Great Britain?

Sir J. Simon

Between the years 1927–28 and the latest available year (1935–36 in England and Wales and 1934–35 in Scotland), the increase in the expenditure to which my hon. Friend refers was £53,500,000. This increase is practically the same as the increase in the amount of Government grants over the same period, but my hon. Friend will recollect that there have been major rating reforms since 1927.

Mr. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why his information is so late as 1935, seeing that in the financial statement published on Budget day last year information was given for at least 12 months later than the information with which he now furnishes me?

Sir J. Simon

I have given the figures which we have. If the hon. Member will refer me to that statement I will consider it.

Mr. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to publish in this year's financial statement the figures for the latest available date, so that we may have this information as to the enormous increase in local expenditure?

Mr. Ede

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the hon. Member before he answers his questions next time?