§ 65. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why his Department's grants towards the costs of rural water and sewerage schemes are paid only when the final accounts have been submitted; and if, in view of the financial difficulties of rural local authorities, he will revise this procedure so as to commence payments as soon as schemes have been approved.
§ Mr. PowellThe amount of grant cannot finally be fixed until the capital cost is known, but where the burden on the rates is specially high my right hon. Friend is prepared to make payments on account al an earlier stage.