§ 20. Mr. Deedesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why his Department has refused a grant under the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Acts, 1944 and 1951, to Tenterden Borough Council in respect of their Reading Street Scheme; and whether, in view of the fact that this is the last scheme this authority is likely to submit in the foreseeable future, he will reconsider this.
§ Mr. MarplesGrant has been refused in this case because the scheme imposes a very small burden upon the rates. My right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to alter this decision.
§ Mr. DeedesCan my hon. Friend say whether that is the final answer? Can he also give some idea of the principles which govern the giving of these grants?
§ Mr. MarplesI am afraid it is the final answer because the burden on the rates is extremely small—in this case it is less than a 2d. rate. The financial resources of the local authority, the needs of the local authority and whether or not it is rural in character, are some of the considerations which are taken into account.