§ 11. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that almost every rating local authority has announced rate increases of between 1s. 10d. and 3s. in the £; and, as these increases, if applied, will raise the cost of living, which is directly contrary to the Government's declared policy of reducing the cost of living, if he will take such action as may be necessary to cause an investigation on a national basis into the reasons why these rates are being increased.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe fixing of the rate is entirely a local authority responsibility, and should remain so. It is for the authorities to explain to their ratepayers the reasons for any increases they may think it necessary to make.