HC Deb 06 July 1950 vol 477 cc625-6
30. Mr. Arthur Colegate

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the representations made to him as to the serious financial position of the county borough of Burton-on-Trent; and whether there are any steps he can take to ease the position which results in tenants of council houses having to pay as much as 12s 3d. per week in rates alone.

Mr. Bevan

I have considered these representations. The statutory provisions about equalisation grants give me no discretionary power to increase the amount, and I have no other powers in this regard. The Statute provides for review of the working of the equalisation grants in the year of the first new valuation lists.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

Would the Minister consider introducing suitable measures to give him the power to help councils who are finding difficulties so far as the rates are concerned?

Mr. Bevan

No, Sir. It is the intention of the Act to try to iron out the inequalities, but there are, of course, always peaks at each extreme.