asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain local authorities have contributed to the funds of the Early Closing Association for the purposes of a campaign in favour of summer time, and what action he proposes to take to ensure that such contributions shall not be charged to the rates?

Applications have been made by certain local authorities for sanction to a contribution of one guinea for the purpose referred to and sanction to the payment has been given by my predecessor and myself in 26 cases.