§ Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Health the approximate amount of money which has to be raised for the work of the public assistance committees at Salford, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, West Ham, Bournemouth, Eastbourne and Blackpool for the half-years ending March and September of the current year; what is the amount of rates per pound for each of these towns; and whether the Government intend to take steps to equalise the burden of providing relief all over the country for the able-bodied unemployed?
Sir H. YOUNGThe reply to the first two parts of the question is contained in the statement appended. The reply to the third part of the question is in the negative.
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STATEMENT showing the total amount in the pound of the local rates levied in the undermentioned county boroughs and the estimated amounts required for public assistance. Name of County Borough. Half year ending 31st March, 1932. Half-year ending 30th September, 1932. Total rate in the pound of local rates levied. Estimated amount required for Public Assistance. Total rate in the pound of local rates levied. Estimated amount required for Public Assistance. s. d. £ s d. £ Salford … 8 3 144,500 7 10½ 142,800 Manchester* … 7 3 363,300 7 9 506,400 Leeds* … 7 6 243,700 † † Sheffield … 8 6 436,200 8 6 396,200 West Ham … 8 9 307,800 † † Bournemouth* … 3 6 30,100 † † Eastbourne* … 3 9 30,300 3 11 31,000 Blackpool … 3 9 15,200 3 9 24,000 The net expenditure shown above is met partly from rates, partly from the Exchequer grants-under the Local Government Act, 1929, and partly from other sources. * In the areas marked * yearly rates are levied and one-halt of the rate for the year has been taken as applicable to the half-yearly period. † Rate demand notes not yet received.