§ Mr. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in consequence of the present depression in trade resulting in unemployment, many people are being summoned for non-payment of Poor Rate; that many boards of guardians hold quantities of War Stock which, if sold, would tend to substantially reduce the rate, and so relieve the pressure on the ratepayers; and whether he 2091W will draw the attention of boards of guardians to the advisability of selling such Stock in order to reduce the rate and thus relieve the burden upon the ratepayers, who are now finding difficulty in meeting their obligations?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am, of course, aware of the difficulties of many ratepayers at the present time. I doubt, however, if the War Stocks still held by guardians are sufficient to justify any general action of the kind suggested.