HC Deb 05 October 1939 vol 351 cc2083-4
39. Mr. Isaacs

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many of the Metropolitan borough councils have now reached a position where they are unable to meet their financial obligations without bank overdrafts; that this position is seriously affected by the fall in revenue and the payment for air-raid precautions and Civil Defence services; whether his conversations with local council officers have now taken place; and whether there will be prompt action taken to prevent the serious financial position which is now facing a majority of Metropolitan boroughs?

Sir J. Anderson

I am at present considering a communication on this matter which I have recently received from the Metropolitan Boroughs Standing Joint Committee. In view, however, of the suggestion made in the last part of the question, I think it only fair to point out that many of the Metropolitan boroughs have not yet complied with the request made to them by my Department to furnish returns which would enable the Department to pay instalments of Government grant-in-aid of their expenditure.

Mr. Isaacs

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that seven of the London boroughs are already borrowing money to pay these bills, and that another seven or eight will be borrowing before the month ends, and is it the suggestion that they are borrowing money rather than making their returns?

Sir J. Anderson

The facts are as stated in my reply.

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