§ Mr. Raikesasked the Minister of Health if he will give the figures on which his Department estimates that the withdrawal of Government financial assistance from the Canvey Island Urban District Council will mean a loss of rate production of only 3d. in the £ in view of the council's claim that it will be necessary to levy an increased rate of 6s. in the £ and whether withdrawal of financial aid given to prohibited areas during the war is general or if Canvey Island has been dealt with as a special case.
§ Mr. WillinkThe estimated product of a rate of one penny in the £ in the urban district of Canvey Island was £160 in 1939–40 and is £155 in 1945–46. The anticipated expenditure of the Council on their own services for 1945–46 is £18,860,a considerable increase on recent years. On this basis the rate-poundages required would be 9s. 10d. and 10s. 1½d. respectively. The difference between the last named figure and the rate of 22s. 6d. which the Council propose to levy is attributable to the county precept. Financial assistance has been withdrawn from other local authorities as and when the return of rate productivity to normal has rendered it no longer justifiable and the Urban District Council of Canvey Island has not been treated exceptionally.