§ 3. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Health how much money was raised in rates in England and Wales last year, and how much is expected to be raised this year owing to increases in rates levied by county and municipal authorities.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsThe estimated rate income for 1945–46 was about £221 million and for the current year, 1946–47, about £239 million. If the hon. Member has in mind the year commencing 1st April, 1947, I am afraid that information will not be available for a considerable time.
§ Sir W. SmithersDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary realise that this enormous increase in local government expenditure must increase our cost of production, and, therefore, impede or destroy our ability to compete in the markets of the world, and, therefore, vitiate the very policy laid down by the Government in their economic White Paper?
§ Mr. EdwardsI am sure that all the expenditure of local authorities is really necessary.
§ Mr. AwberyIs it not a fact that the ratepayers get better value for their money than they do by any other form of expenditure?