HC Deb 09 July 1920 vol 131 cc1829-30W
Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Minister of Health what is the estimate of the total expenditure by the local authorities of the United Kingdom out of rates for each of the years 1913 to 1920, inclusive?

Dr. ADDISON

The total amounts of rates received by the local authorities in England and Wales during the years 1912–13 to 1916–17 were as follow:—

1912–13 £68,200,000
1913–14 £71,300,000
1914–15 £73,700,000
1915–16 £75,900,000
1916–17 £72,900,000

Local authorities have not yet sent in their returns in all cases for 1917–18 and 1918–19, but it may be estimated from the particulars available that the amounts for those years were approximately as follows:—

1917–18 £75,300,000
1918–19 £84,500,000

As regards 1919–20, any estimate made at the present time can only be based on typical cases. An estimate framed on this basis gives as the probable amount raised in rates in 1919–20 a sum slightly in excess of £100,000,000.

For information as to rates raised in other parts of the United Kingdom, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Secretary for Scotland and the Chief Secretary for Ireland.