§ Mr. E. Smithasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the various interpretations that are being put on the Treasury Circular D 38427–1, 9/39, P.R.P., dated 13th September, 1939, which was circulated to all local authorities, and in particular, to paragraph 2 which includes, capital expenditure by local authorities should be restricted within the narrowest limits; and, in view of the various interpretations as to what are the narrowest limits, will he issue another circular in order to bring about a more uniform administration by the local authorities?
§ Captain CrookshankParagraph 3 of the circular referred to by the hon. Member states that consent will not be given to the exercise of borrowing powers unless the project is of pressing necessity either for reasons of public need or on account of war requirements. I do not think that it is possible to define more exactly limits that apply generally. The precise application to the individual case is for the authority and the appropriate Department or Departments to consider in the light of their knowledge of the specific circumstances.