HC Deb 24 March 1953 vol 513 cc629-30
25. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will review and increase the Exchequer grant to local authorities, in view of the increases in local government expenditure and the cumulative losses to many local authorities from the derating of industrial hereditaments.

Mr. H. Macmillan

All these matters raise great questions of public policy, not, in my opinion, suitable for Question and answer.

Mr. Sparks

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a working party engaged on the problem of reviewing Exchequer equalisation grants? Does he intend to consider its report, and, if so, will he report to the House on what he proposes to do?

Mr. Macmillan

I cannot report to the House what the working party advises me until it makes its report, which is one of the reasons I gave the hon. Gentleman a delaying answer.

Mr. Sparks

When the working party does make its report, will the Minister make known his views in regard to it?

Mr. Macmillan

I shall consider the report, and then seek some suitable opportunity—which, of course, the Opposition can ask for at any time—for giving a reply.