§ Sir A. Maitlandasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the apprehension of many persons that the imposition by the Government of financial burdens upon local authorities which are, in fact, more appropriately the responsibility of the central authority, may jeopardise the financial structure and administrative efficiency of many local authorities; and if he will take every precaution to preserve the advantages provided by the organisation and services of those authorities?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe division of responsibility for the services, the administration of which has been entrusted by Parliament to local authorities is, in the Government's view, fairly reflected in the arrangements for sharing the cost between the rate-payer and the tax-payer. The Government is fully alive to the importance of the point raised in the latter part of the Question and, as my hon. Friend is aware, financial assistance is available to any local authority where there is any risk of a breakdown.