§ Mr. LAWSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that local authorities are now suffering considerably from the operation of derating; what requests he has received for reconsideration of this system owing to the toss of rateable value; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODI am not prepared to accept the hon. Member's suggestion as to the effects of derating though some local authorities have in recent years1384W made representations on the matter. The effect of derating was fully taken into account in the scheme for the distribution of grants provided under the Act of 1929. The method of distributing these is at present under review in consultation with the associations of local authorities.