§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is his estimate of the number of ratepayers, in the city of Manchester and nationally, who, although entitled to rate rebates, have so far failed to apply; what steps he has taken, and is taking, to improve the position; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonThere is no reliable estimate of the number of ratepayers entitled to rate rebates who have not applied for them either nationally or for the city of Manchester; but, in view of the extensive publicity given to the rebate scheme around the beginning of each rebate period by the Department, by local authorities and by other bodies, and of the major publicity campaign last autumn, I do not believe that there is now a significant number of ratepayers entitled to rebates who are not receiving them.