§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the indignation of the residents in the area of Southend-on-Sea at the increase in the local water rate, from 11 per cent. to 14 per cent. of the rental ' values, and that the Southend Waterworks Company attribute the necessity for this increase to war-time circumstances, depletion of the numbers of consumers and the provision of a greater volume of water for the fire-fighting services; and whether he will cause investigation to be made and consider a Government grant to meet the difference?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have received several letters from individual consumers concerning the charges of the Southend Waterworks Company and my hon. Friend the Member for Southend has brought their affairs to my notice. I am in correspondence with the company and will communicate further with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increasing number of people in the area of Southend-on-Sea, summoned for non-payment of rates; and whether, as their inability to do so results from war conditions, such as evacuation and the depletion in the number of visitors to the prescribed area what financial assistance is granted by the Government to deal with these conditions?
§ Mr. BrownI have no information as regards the first part of the Question. As regards the last part I would remind my hon. Friend that a rating authority has power to reduce or remit the payment of rates on account of the poverty of any person liable to payment of rates.