asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the number of national services which are administered by local auhorities and the increasing expenditure of public money in respect of them, he will consider the advisability of introducing each year as a supplement to the usual Imperial Budget a local administration Budget showing to what extent national work is being carried on and paid for by the local authorities at the expense of the ratepayers?

I. fear I am unable to adopt this suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, before the introduction of the Budget, see if something of this nature cannot be done?

I will consider the suggestion. There is a good deal to be said for it. I should consider it with the President of the Local Government Board. I am not sure whether it will be his function or mine.