§ 65. Mr. Tomlinsonasked the Home Secretary whether he will make provision for the local education authorities, as such, to be consulted when the revision of grants under the 1937 Act relating to air-raid precautions is taking place, in view of their peculiar position and the dispute which has arisen between these authorities and his Department?
§ Sir J. AndersonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 4th April to a Question by the hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr. Whiteley).
§ Mr. TomlinsonAs the answer was in the negative on that occasion, may I ask the Home Secretary what are the grounds upon which he refuses to give a hearing to these people?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have not refused to hear anyone, and I have no desire to exclude anyone, but I have been dealing with local bodies responsible for the control of local government finance. I think that is constitutional and right.
§ Mr. TomlinsonIs the Minister not aware that autonomous powers are given to the majority of the large local education authorities, and that the people with whom he is dealing are not familiar with the matter under discussion?
§ Sir J. AndersonAs I have previously explained, the matter under discussion is the burden thrown upon the finances of local authorities by civil defence work.
§ Mr. TomlinsonOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of this reply, and frequent replies on other occasions, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on 1103 the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.