HC Deb 21 September 1939 vol 351 cc1039-41
21 and 30. Mr. Isaacs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether, in view of the difficulties local authorities are experiencing in meeting the expenditure incurred under the Civil Defence Acts of 1937 and 1938 since the declaration of war, he will now consider making this expenditure for National Service a charge upon the State;

(2) whether, in view of the large amount of work undertaken by the local authorities under the Civil Defence Acts, 1937 and 1939, during the course of the present municipal financial year, which is much in excess of the estimated financial provisions made at the commencement of the rate period, and in view also of the fact that local authorities are bearing considerably increased financial burdens because of the war, whilst their income to meet normal duties will be seriously reduced as a consequence of the evacuation of the population and of business firms to other areas, he will consider whether some immediate form of relief can be given to such local authorities by way of financial assistance?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Anderson)

would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for the Stoke Division of Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith). As stated in that reply, I am in consultation with local authorities on the general question of financing Civil Defence expenditure in war.

Mr. Isaacs

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the borough council of Southwark has spent in one week the equivalent of a 2d. rate in this direction, and will he expedite his inquiries?

Sir J. Anderson

It is not a question of making inquiries. A comprehensive memorandum was prepared some time ago and is now in the hands of the association of local authorities. I am ready at any moment to consider any representations they may make.

Sir Henry Morris-Jones

Is not one way of reducing the expenditure of local authorities, and that of the nation as well, to control drastically the present demands on local authorities for A.R.P. work in safe areas?

Sir J. Anderson

That is a different question altogether. The organisation of Civil Defence has been very carefully adjusted to take account of differences between one area and another. I venture to utter just a word of warning in regard to the risk of basing conclusions on the experience or lack of experience so far.

Forward to