§ Mr. Talbotasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that parish councils which are 225W exercising their rights to be street lighting authorities are also having to contribute through the rates to the cost of street lighting in other parishes which have failed to take this action; what representations he has received from the Wombourn Parish Council on this matter; and, in view of the possible delay in legislative action, if he will give authority for any charge for street lighting properly incurred by the Wombourn Parish Council to be deducted from the amount the ratepayers of Wombourn pay in district rate.
§ Mr. MacCollThe incidence of street lighting charges in a rural parish is in the first place a matter between the rural district council and the parish council. The legal position has been explained to the Wombourn Parish Council by the Department in correspondence, and the council's representations for amendment of the law have been noted. My right hon. Friend has no power to give the authority to which the Question refers.