§ MR. HIBBERTsaid, he wished to ask the Vice President of the Privy Council, Whether it is not the case that, under the Assessed Rates Act of last Session, a ratepayer may vote in vestry whether the rate is payable by himself, or by the owner?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in reply, said, he supposed the Question of the hon. Member had been put with reference to the Education Bill which was now before the House, and he was glad that it had 76 been asked, inasmuch as he would in consequence be enabled to remove a misconception on the subject to which it related. He was informed that by the 7th and 19th sections of the Assessed Rates Act of last Session, the vestry franchise, together with other franchises, were restored to the occupier where rates were paid by the owner. Were that not the case, it would have become necessary to insert a provision in the Education Bill in order to carry out its principle, that the parents of children should have a full and free choice in the election of the school Boards.