HC Deb 23 November 1954 vol 533 cc1049-50
48. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a statement regarding the distribution of the Exchequer Equalisation Grant, in view of the postponement of revaluation.

Mr. Sandys

I would refer the hon. Member to the White Paper on this subject which was presented to the House by my predecessor two months ago, to which I have nothing at present to add.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is the Minister aware that several very important local authorities, including Newcastle-upon-Tyne, get nothing under the Exchequer Equalisation Grant owing to the delay in revaluation? Can he not press his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make financial arrangements to ease the position of such local authorities until revaluation takes place?

Mr. Sandys

I am quite ready to consider sympathetically any proposals for the redistribution of equalisation grant which may be agreed by local authorities.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is the Minister not aware that there is little or no hope of getting local authorities to agree on this matter? Is not the only prospect to try to secure some slightly increased funds from the Chancellor to make it possible to meet the needs of these authorities, as has been done, I believe, in Scotland?

Mr. Sandys

That possibility has not yet been considered.