§ 44. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that the Industrial De-Rating Act is costing the county borough of West Ham the equivalent of a rate of 5s. 6d. in the £ and whether, with a view to assisting this war damaged borough to reduce its present rate of 27s. in the £, he will abolish or amend the Industrial De-Rating Act.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanWhere, as in West Ham, the rateable value per head for any reason is below the average the local authority is assisted by equalisation grants. The operation of this system is now under review. I have no power to abolish or amend Acts of Parliament.