HC Deb 01 April 1943 vol 388 cc335-6
40. Mr. Doland

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the policy of the Government to obtain full repayment from those local authorities who have received financial assistance in order that essential services may be maintained; and when will these authorities be expected to repay such sums?

Mr. E. Brown

The policy of the Government in this matter was fully set out in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor) on 24th June, 1941. Seventy-five per cent. of the necessary assistance is by way of grant, the remaining 25 per cent. being an advance free of interest. Ultimate liability for repayment of the latter will be a matter for discussion after the war with each local authority concerned in the light of the circumstances, both national and local, then prevailing.

Sir Adam Maitland

Is the Minister aware that the policy of the Government in this matter is very much resented by local authorities generally?

Mr. Brown

I am not aware of that.

Sir A. Maitland

But has not the Minister had certain representations about it?

Mr. Brown

I have had representations on certain points, but there was no general disagreement.