HC Deb 25 July 1940 vol 363 c1006W
Mr. Douglas

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take in order to prevent the financial system of local authorities in defence areas from breaking down because of serious depletion of their ordinary sources of revenue?

Mr. M. MacDonald

An undertaking has been given by the Government that they would be prepared to come to the assistance of local government if the machinery of local government in any area should be in danger of breaking down. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a statement issued by my Department following a recent conference with representatives of the local authorities of the areas concerned.