§ 73. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the increase in the price of petrol will cost the Dart-ford Rural District Council an extra £715 and the Orpington Urban District Council over £1,000 a year, being the equivalent of a ½d. rate; and what steps he will take to relieve this, and all other local authorities, of this added burden.
§ Mr. BevanI assume that the hon. Member has obtained these figures from the councils concerned. I cannot undertake to protect local authorities from the effect of charges on taxation applying to the community at large.
§ Sir W. SmithersAt a time when the increase of our export trade is necessary, cannot the Minister do something to reduce the overheads which increase our costs of production and impede or destroy our ability to compete in the markets of the world?