HC Deb 11 July 1939 vol 349 cc2067-8
83. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Essex County Council passed a resolution at their meeting on 4th July that suitable legislation should be passed to secure for the local authorities, either directly or through the State, some portion of the enhanced values and revenues created in consequence of public enterprise and expenditure, so that the financial pressure on ratepayers may be alleviated; and whether, in view of the increasing demand for such legislation, he proposes to take any action?

Mr. Bernays

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Tottenham, North (Mr. R. C. Morrison) on nth May.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that something like 230 or 240 local authorities in the country have passed resolutions in favour of this principle, or have made applications to the Minister for powers along these lines; and, in view of that fact, will he propose to his right hon. Friend that something should be done to meet the demands of the authorities in this country?

Mr. Bernays

This question was very fully debated on a Private Member's Motion at the beginning of the year, and I have nothing to add to the statement which I then made on behalf of the Government on this question.