§ 49. Sir Stanley Reedasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the rise in the rates collected by local authorities from £78,971,000 in 1913–14 to £210,104,000 in 1938–39, the increase in local indebtedness, and the conflict as to how far this is due to the action of the local authorities and how far to duties laid upon them by Parliament and Ministers, he will consider the appointment of a small expert committee to inquire into local taxation?
§ Sir J. SimonWhile I view with concern the constant increase in local taxation, I doubt if any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of an expert committee to inquire into the matter.
§ Sir S. ReedMay I respectfully ask, in view of the very grave statement by the Prime Minister that this country is rapidly approaching the limits of its taxable capacity, whether the question of growing rates and growing burdens is not one of immense national importance?
§ Sir J. SimonIt is certainly a matter of importance but, on the other hand to a large extent the matter of rates is the responsibility of the selected representatives of the ratepayers on local authorities.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs it not the case that during the same period Parliamentary grants to local authorities have increased 2014 seven times, and when local authorities complain that increasing burdens are put upon them owing to Parliamentary action, will he not inquire into that?
§ Mr. LeachDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the money spent by local authorities is the finest investment that this country now makes?
§ Mr. James GriffithsMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to reconsider this matter?