Lieut.-Colonel THORNEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government have considered the financial relationship between the local and the Imperial authority on the lines laid down in the Royal Commission on local taxation, having regard to any change of circumstances since the presentation of the Report, in order that the Grants and subsidies from Imperial sources shall bear a more equitable proportion to the local rates raised for services of a national character; and whether the Government have come to a final decision about the matter?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe subject referred to in the question is engaging the close attention of His Majesty's Government, and it is hoped, in the course of next year, to arrive at a definite settlement as to the basis on which Imperial and local funds should respectively contribute to services of a national character.