Central and Local Government

HC Deb 10 March 1964 vol 691 c239

24. Mr. Owen

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to present to the House the report on the financial relationships between central and local government.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

It is too early to say.

Mr. Owen

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the increasing burden of rates and the growing concern of local authorities? Will he not recognise that this is a matter which merits an urgent report to the House?

Mr. Maudling

I agree that the matter is very important. The rising level of expenditure, on education in particular, is of course a burden, as it must be, on both the taxpayer and the ratepayer. However, any consideration involving allocations between the two is complex and should not be rushed.