§ 61. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the hardship caused to men called up for service with His Majesty's Forces who are compelled to pay rates on houses vacated by them but where their furniture is stored; and will he take steps to relieve them of this liability?
§ Mr. ElliotExisting statutory provisions enable reduction or remission of rates to be made where the financial circumstances of the personliable make this necessary. In so far as serious hardship is caused through the calling up of men for service, with the result that they are unable to meet their commitments, including any sums payable in respect of rates, I would remind the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions has power to deal with the matter, on the advice of the War Service Grants Advisory Committee. The necessary form of application is obtainable by the man from his unit, or by his dependants from the nearest office of the Unemployment Assistance Board.
§ Mr. LipsonWould it not be better if these Service men could have their rates reduced as a matter of right, without having to appear before local rating 2253 committees? Would my right hon. Friend reconsider this matter?
§ Mr. ElliotProvision has already been made under the Statute for dealing with this matter.