§ MR. W. E. FORSTERsaid, he would beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reference to that one of the Lords' Amendments to the Representation of the People Bill which gives a new interpretation of the term "poor rate," (page 19, line 19) what is meant by a borough rate levied as a separate rate; Whether such borough rate would include rates levied by town councils for sewerage, lighting, or other purposes; Whether such borough rates have to be paid by the £10 occupiers in order to vote; and, if not, whether it is the intention of the Government to consent to the imposition of different and greater obligations in respect to the payment of rates upon the voters admitted by this Bill than upon the present voters?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, the Question of the hon. Gentleman refers to one of the Amendments made by the House of Lords in the improvement of the Bill for the Representation of the People. The hon. Gentleman, I understand, wishes to know virtually whether Her Majesty's Government are prepared to accept that Amendment.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERAnd also the meaning of it.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERYes, and also the meaning of it. Well, that appears to be a reason why this inquiry should be postponed until the regular business of the evening comes on. As the Question relates to the first business on the Paper it would not be desirable to enter now into a desultory discussion on the subject.