§ Sir A. Maitlandasked the Minister without Portfolio what steps have been, or are being taken to consult local authorities in regard to post-war reconstruction schemes and to indicate the Government's proposals as to the financial issues involved?
§ Sir W. JowittIt would be quite impossible for me in reply to this Question to cover the many aspects of reconstruction in which local authorities will be interested. Government policy in these various fields is being worked out by the Departments directly concerned and I have no doubt that they will take local authorities into consultation as occasion arises. If what my hon. Friend has in mind are schemes for reconstruction areas, that subject will fall within the province of the Minister of Town and Country Planning. I dealt with certain financial issues affecting local authorities in my speech on the Address on 1st December last and cannot at present add anything.