§ 41. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will arrange for a subsidy of £3,000 per annum to be paid from Government revenues to the Smoke Abatement Society.
§ Mr. SandysMost useful work is being done by the National Smoke Abatement Society, but it does not necessarily follow that a Government subsidy is called for.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs it not a fact that the Society's work could be very usefully expanded by means of a subsidy of this kind? Since the annual loss to the nation is £300 million a year, and since the Society has achieved very appreciable results in the past, would it not be a very sound investment?
§ Mr. SandysI am not unsympathetic to the right hon. Gentleman's point of view, but there are so many deserving causes to which subsidies could be given.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIn view of the urgency of this matter, would it not be a good plan for the Minister to win a victory over the Treasury upon it?
§ Mr. HastingsIs not this organisation already receiving large sums from firms which make smokeless fuel?
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeIs my right hon. Friend aware that thousands of taxpayers would like to win a victory over the right hon. Gentleman opposite?