§ 37. Mr. J. R. Bevinsasked the Minister of Health which two county or county borough councils in England and Wales receive the highest equalisation grants in relation to their total expenditure ranking for grant; the percentage such grants represent; and also the percentage that departmental grants for specific purposes represents.
§ Mr. BevanThe two highest equalisation grants are those paid to the county councils of Cardigan and Montgomery of approximately 67 per cent. and 64 per 1892 cent. respectively. Departmental grants for specific purposes range widely in form and amount and cannot readily be represented as a percentage.
§ Mr. BevinsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these equalisation grants are paid in such a way as to stimulate authorities such as those to which he has referred into wanton extravagance?
§ Mr. BevanIt remains a fact that for the first time for many years some of these authorities are able to take advantage of local authority services; and even after the payment of these grants many of these authorities are still poorer than most authorities.
§ Mr. George ThomasIs my right hon. Friend aware that were it not for these equalisation grants local government would become almost impossible in the areas mentioned, and that there is deep gratitude to him for introducing them?
§ Mr. BevinsHas not the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the criticism of these grants made by the Comptroller and Auditor-General in the accounts for the year 1947–48?
§ Mr. BevanThese grants are being made on the authority of Parliament after proper consideration, and Parliament is the best judge in these matters.