§ Sir G. Mitchesonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the amount raised in local rates in England and Wales in the year ended 31st March, 1939, was £13,000,000 more than during the previous 12 months; and, having regard to the heavy demands upon our resources at the present time, will he take steps, in conjunction with the various Departments of State concerned, to bring about a reduced burden of local expenditure?
§ Captain CrookshankThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, my right hon. Friend views with concern the constant increase in local taxation and would repeat the assurance which he gave to my hon. Friend on the 31st January that all proposals for expenditure which require sanction by a Government Department are carefully examined. As, however, he then pointed out, economy in current administration is to a large extent the responsibility of the elected representatives of the ratepayers.