§ Mr. Levyasked the Minister of Health whether the Government have considered taking any steps to check the rise in local rates by reducing, where possible, the statutory expenditure imposed on local authorities?
§ Mr. ElliotThe Government do not contemplate reduction of the essential services for the maintenance of which local authorities are by Statute responsible, though, as my hon. Friend is doubtless aware, the effect of more than one recent Measure will be to reduce charges falling upon ratepayers. I am sure that local authorities themselves appreciate the need for all possible 2147W economy in administration which is compatible with the adequate maintenance of the services which Parliament has entrusted to them.