§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Health whether any financial assistance that may be necessary as a result of circumstances arising out of the war, to ensure the maintenance of essential services, will be afforded to the local authority concerned out of Exchequer funds by way of gift, or by way of loan; and upon what conditions?
§ Mr. E. BrownI would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 5th September last giving details of the manner in which and the conditions under which financial assistance is to be given to the local authorities of certain coast towns. I am prepared to consider an application for assistance from the local authority of any other area, and if they are able to satisfy me that the amounts collectable from rates and other normal sources of revenue are unlikely to suffice to maintain essential services, to make interest-free advances on conditions to be settled with them.