HC Deb 08 November 1960 vol 629 cc807-8
14. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, to what extent, in his consultations with local authority associations about the treatment of hardship cases arising from the making up of private streets, he has discussed the question of Government financial assistance.

Sir K. Joseph

Not at all.

Mr. Swingler

Will the Parliamentary Secretary kindly consider it now? Now that the Minister has admitted the existence of hardship and said to local authority associations that the hardship should be alleviated by a public authority, why should the whole burden be put on the rates? Is not this now recognised to be a national problem? Will he not, therefore, consider sharing the financial responsibility with local authorities?

Sir K. Joseph

No. This is very much a local problem and the few cases of hardship can certainly be alleviated by local authorities, always bearing in mind that poorer local authorities receive help already from the Exchequer.

Mr. Swingler

Will the hon. Gentleman consider publishing the Report of the survey, which his Department has received, so that others interested in the problem may be able to judge the extent to which it is purely a local problem?

Sir K. Joseph

I should like notice of that question. I will take that into consideration.