§ 58. Mr. Sparksasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, as a result of the derating of industrial hereditaments, the Acton Borough Council loses in rate revenue for the year 1946–47, £135,988, a sum equal to a rate of 3s. 3d. in the £ and, in view of the inadequacy of the Exchequer block grant in its regard to the rateable value factor in calculation, if he will indicate what steps he will take to assist local authorities whose revenues have suffered heavy losses therefrom.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsI understand that the figures quoted by my hon. Friend are correct. My right hon. Friend hopes shortly to begin discussions with representative associations of local authorities regarding a comprehensive review of the block grant, and I cannot at present say what weight will be given to any particular factor entering into the distribution of the grant.
§ Mr. SparksCan my hon. Friend give an assurance that the very heavy losses from derating will be a factor to be taken into consideration when local government finances are under review?
§ Mr. EdwardsI obviously cannot give any such assurance as that.
§ Mr. StokesWill my hon. Friend represent to his right hon. Friend that all these difficulties would be overcome if he introduced a rate on site values?