§ Lieut.-Colonel WHELERasked the Prime Minister if he had received a resolution adopted unanimously by the Kent County Council on 4th August calling attention to the severe burden of the rates, the interference by central committees with the control of local authorities, and the further heavy expenditure if the Education Act, 1918, is to be soon brought into operation; and whether he can make any statement to assure local authorities that their expenditure shall not be further increased I by Government departmental action?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have received a copy of the resolution referred to. Having regard to the responsibilities placed upon Government Departments by statute, I do not see how an assurance can properly be given to local authorities that no action by a Government Department shall increase their expenditure.