§ 34. Mr. Bellasked the Minister of Health what is the total value of the claims submitted to him by local authorities under the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Act, 1944; the total amount of expenditure which he has authorised, and the amount of money that has been actually spent under the provisions of that Act up to 31st October, 1950, or the nearest convenient date.
§ Mr. BevanUp to 31st October, 1950, grants under the Act have been claimed in respect of schemes estimated to cost about £80 million; the cost of schemes so far authorised for grants amounts to £18,600,000 and £2,237,000 has been paid by way of grant, in addition schemes have been approved in principle for another £18,130,000 and grants promised, finally or conditionally, for £9,793,000.
§ Mr. BellCan the right hon. Gentleman say why so small an amount of grant assistance has actually been paid out?
§ Mr. BevanWe think that the grant assistance which has been paid out has been adequate in proportion to the schemes approved.