§ 40. Mr. Sparksasked the Minister of Health, if he will take into consideration the heavy losses to the rates of some local authorities from the operations of the derating legislation of 1929 in the review and adjustment of the Exchequer block grant to local authorities.
§ Mr. BevanDiscussions with representative associations of local authorities are now taking place and until these have been concluded I cannot indicate the basis on which it is proposed that the new block grant shall be distributed.
§ Mr. SparksCould my right hon. Friend be a little more precise and say whether or not losses from derating will be a factor to be taken into consideration?
Lieut.-Colonel DowerIn view of the vital urgency of encouraging production, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making an early statement that derating benefits will be continued?
§ Mr. BevanNo, it is quite impossible for me and entirely out of accord with the procedure of the House to anticipate the content of legislation.