HC Deb 24 May 1966 vol 729 cc273-4
31. Mr. Derek Page

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will include consideration of drainage rates in the terms of reference of the Royal Commission on Local Government.

Mr. Crossman

I do not think that this is appropriate to the broad review which the Commission will be undertaking.

Mr. Page

Is 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. Crossman

When 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. Glover

Would 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?