HC Deb 15 December 1953 vol 522 cc192-3
39. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the result of his consultations with the representatives of local authorities following the issue of the Departmental committee's report on Exchequer equalisation grants in June; and when he expects to take action.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I do not expect the final observations of the associations before the New Year and I cannot anticipate the further action.

Mr. Callaghan

Does the last part of that answer mean that the Minister is going to dodge the question because there is no political credit in it?

Mr. Macmillan

I have observed that divergent views are held by hon. Members on both sides of the House. It is a complicated matter. I have also observed that by a curious coincidence the views of hon. Members on either side seem to be somewhat related to whether the constituencies they represent are drawers or not.