HC Deb 13 December 1945 vol 417 c594
3. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Minister of Health whether he will now state the percentage grant which will be paid to local authorities who undertake water supplies and sewage disposal schemes under the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Act, 1944; and whether it is proposed to increase the grant of £15,000,000 as stated in Subsection (5), of Clause 1, of the Act.

Mr. Bevan

There will be no fixed rate of grant. The grant will be assessed on the estimated net annual cost of the scheme, with due regard to the ability or otherwise of the local authority to meet the cost. I am not yet in a position to say whether the £15,000,000 provided by the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Act, 1944, will be sufficient or will need to be increased.

Mr. Baldwin

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the question of increasing this grant, in view of the fact that many grandiose schemes are being prepared which will involve expenditure of £50,000,000 or £60,000,000, and is it worth while a rural district council going in for expensive schemes unless they know that they will get some satisfactory recompense?

Mr. Bevan

I hope that nothing the hon. Member has said will deter local authorities from preparing their water schemes. I am very anxious that they should go on. If more money is needed, I shall not hesitate to ask Parliament for it.