HC Deb 26 February 1942 vol 378 cc335-6
23. Sir John Mellor

asked the Minister of Health, whether he will take steps to empower local authorities to establish out of rate income reserve funds designed to meet the cost of maintenance work which has been postponed owing to the war?

Mr. E. Brown

I have received no representations on this matter from the associations of local authorities, and as at present advised I do not contemplate the introduction of legislation.

Sir J. Mellor

Is not the underlying financial position of local authorities growing more and more unhealthy?

Mr. Brown

I should very much hesitate to accept that statement as generally true. If my hon. Friend desires to discuss any particular case that has come to his knowledge, I shall be very glad to meet him.