§ 18. Mr. David Jonesasked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what representations he has received from the West Hartlepool County Borough Council about the alleged unfair operation of the River Boards Act, 1948; and whether he proposes to take any action on the lines proposed.
§ Mr. DaltonThe council has protested against the charges falling on their ratepayers under this Act. But this matter was fully discussed when the Bill was going through Parliament, and I regret that I can hold no hope of amending legislation.
§ Mr. JonesIs my right hon. Friend aware that the authority are called upon to pay £3,300 by way of precept this year and that they claim that they have no advantage whatever from this Act. Will he have another look at the matter?
§ Mr. DaltonIt is no good my doing so. The only object of having another look at it would be to introduce amending legislation, but that is obviously not in the programme. I have great sympathy with the ratepayers of Hartlepool, but I think it will be found that they get some advantage.