HC Deb 02 May 1889 vol 335 cc1075-6
MR. MACINNES (Northumberland, Hexham)

I understand that my hon. Friend in charge of the Bill has no objection to the Amendment that stands on the Paper in my name if the Government do not object to it.

Amendment proposed, Clause 1, page 1, line 21, after "nursery grounds," insert "or the occupier of any land covered with water or used only as a canal or towing-path for the same, or as a railway constructed under the powers of any Act of Parliament for public conveyance."—(Mr. Mac Lines.)

*MR. RITCHIE

No, Sir; it is quite impossible for the Government to accept this Amendment, because it would alter the existing state of the law, which renders property now exempt liable for these particular rates. No doubt there is considerable difference as to the way in which property of this kind is assessed for various purposes, and it may very possibly be that there is some ground for reviewing the whole circumstances of the case. But this is not a Bill for that purpose, and the Government could not consent to any alterations of the general law in reference to the question of rating in this Bill.

MR. MAC INNES

I beg to withdraw the Amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

MR. H. GARDNER (Essex, Saffron Walden)

I wish to move, as an Amendment, in line 7 to omit the words from "and" to "parishes."

Amendment proposed, line 7, to omit the words from "and" to "parishes."

Amendment put, and agreed to.

MR. H. GARDNER (Essex, Saffron Walden)

I beg to move that the Bill be read a third time.

Motion made, "That the Bill be now read a third time."—(Mr. H. Gardner).

MR. BRUNNER (Cheshire, Northwich)

I am glad to hear from the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Ritchie) that he is aware that the law with regard to public libraries still requires amendment, in spite of the efforts of my hon. Friend. The question of rating deserves his attention. The rating of agricultural land is in a very anomalous condition under the Public Libraries Act. In some cases it is rated to the full value, in some to a third of the value, and in others to a fourth. The fear of preventing the passage of the Bill has prevented me moving an Amendment in that direction, but I trust the matter will receive the right hon. Gentleman's attention.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read third time, and passed.