§ 12. Mr. Marloweasked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether it is still the policy of His Majesty's Government to oppose private legislation promoted by non-county boroughs who seek powers to become county boroughs.
§ Mr. DaltonI will consider any such proposal on its merits and on its demerits, particularly as regards the counties which would be affected.
§ Mr. MarloweDoes not the same objection arise here as on my previous Question? Is it not the policy of the present Government to oppose private legislation which seeks to achieve county borough status? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that in my constituency of Hove, the ratepayers are carrying a disproportionate burden at this moment, and are having also to carry the major burden of the County of Sussex on their shoulders?
§ Mr. DaltonIf they got county borough status, the rest of the county would have to carry a disproportionate burden on its shoulders.