§ Sir W. JENKINSasked the Minister of Health (1) whether he contemplates bringing in legislation to provide one uniform rate for the whole country to meet the cost of the unemployed which is now chargeable to rates, or make a special grant to such areas as have to bear exceptional rate burdens owing to the closing down of industries and other circumstances, notwithstanding the assistance given through the block grant and the Unemployment Acts;
(2) whether he will consider the advisability of making a grant-in-aid to all local authorities in distressed areas who have a rate in excess of 12s. 6d, in the £?
§ Sir K. WOODThe introduction of legislation for the purpose suggested is not in contemplation. On the question of grant I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith) on Monday last.