§ Sir W. JENKINSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will take action to relieve local authorities by way of a subsidy to enable them to repay the Public Works Loan Board their dues, thereby enabling the local authorities to take advantage of the cheap money now available and reduce the heavy burden of local rates, particularly in distressed areas?
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§ Mr. COOPERNo, Sir; the Government are not prepared to ask the taxpayer to provide a direct subsidy for the relief of local rates in the manner suggested.
§ Sir W. JENKINSasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of relieving local authorities (by way of a grant) of the Goschen Loan, placed upon councils, which is considered a very heavy burden upon local rates, particularly in distressed areas?
Sir H. YOUNGThe repayments to which the hon. Member refers, which I may note cover principal only without interest, were provided for by the Local Government Act, 1929, after considerable negotiation with the authorities concerned, and legislation would be necessary to alter the settlement then made. I do not see any sufficient reason for considering the introduction of such legislation.