§ Mr. BENNETTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many local charges have been transferred to the State within the last 10 years; and whether in each case he will state the amount so transferred in each year?
Mr. GUINNESSThe large increase which has taken place in the last 10 years in the amount borne by the State in respect of local services has consisted in the main of new or additional State grants in respect of services carried on by local authorities. I am not aware of any local services having been transferred as such to the State, though in some cases new services instituted by the State,e.g., pensions to the blind, have undoubtedly relieved local funds.