§ Mr. CECIL WILSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the last three years 112,029 summonses have been issued in Sheffield for non-payment of the consolidated rate; that the charges imposed upon ratepayers who have been summoned have amounted to not less than £15,000; and that by the re-introduction of compounding the summoning of impecunious ratepayers can be largely avoided; and whether he can take any, and, if so, what steps to relieve an intolerable situation?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI am aware that there have been a large number of summonses for non-payment of rates in Sheffield, but I understand that the greater part of the arrears relate to premises to which compounding could not be applied. After my hon. Friend's previous question on 9th July, an officer of my Department conferred with the city authorities, and made certain suggestions for improving the conditions.