§ Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that, although the average rate for administrative counties in England for the year 1952–53 was 20s. 4d., by exercising every economy the county borough of West Ham was compelled to levy a rate of 27s. in the £, and have now had to increase this for the year 1953–54 130W to 28s. in the £ and whether he will therefore take some further action to assist financially this much-bombed borough.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI have informed the council that in the special circumstances of the borough I shall be prepared to make a special grant of £20,000 for the forthcoming financial year.