Mr. T. Morrisasked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the action he proposes to take to deal with the problem of increasing rates in all parts of the country?
§ Mr. Elliot:I am asking all local authorities to prepare and submit to me programmes covering the next five years, so as to secure that new capital expenditure is carefully planned and entered into with due regard to the general economic circumstances as well as the financial position of the local authority concerned. As my hon. Friend will appreciate the level of the rates is primarily a matter for the several local authorities. Although increases have recently been made in many areas the general level is still below that of some few years ago.