§ 31. Mr. Derek Pageasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will include consideration of drainage rates in the terms of reference 274 of the Royal Commission on Local Government.
§ Mr. CrossmanI do not think that this is appropriate to the broad review which the Commission will be undertaking.
§ Mr. PageIs my right hon. Friend aware that this type of rate is a particularly irksome burden to many ratepayers in East Anglia, particularly those who live in low-lying areas and who must pay rates to get rid of water which flows on to their property free of charge from the higher areas?
§ Mr. CrossmanWhen my hon. Friend has heard the statement which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will be making, he will appreciate the correctness of my first reply.
§ Sir D. GloverWould the right hon. Gentleman consider having another inquiry into this problem of drainage rates, because there is here an anomaly which causes a grave sense of injustice to be felt in other parts of the country as well?