§ 39. Mr. Fortescueasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of his ruling that extra-statutory contributions to recompense local authorities, for damage caused to their property from extraneous sources, were payable only if an unreasonable burden would otherwise be placed on local finances, he will state how his definition of reasonableness in such matters is framed.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonThe burden that would otherwise fall on the rates is not the only criterion by which my right hon. Friend judges whether or not special Government assistance can reasonably be expected. He must also consider the nature and extent of the disaster, and, in particular, whether local authorities could have insured against the resultant damage.