HC Deb 23 November 1925 vol 188 cc1067-70
Sir K. WOOD

I beg to move, in page 6, line 41, to leave out the words ''a rate" and to insert instead thereof the words, every rate shall he given by the rating authority within seven days after the making thereof, and the rate shall not be valid unless notice thereof is duly given in manner for the time being required by law. (2) Any such notice. If hon. Members will notice the wording of the Clause, they will see that the rating authority may, if they think fit, in lieu of giving the notice in the manner prescribed by Section 2 of the Parish Notices Act, 1837, give it by affixing the notice in some public or conspicuous place or situation in each parish affected, or by publishing the notice in one or more newspapers circulating in the area of the authority, and the different methods of publication may be used as respect different parts of the area of the rating authority.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

There seems to be the need for some more explanation than we have had. There are no less than six or seven Amendments put down in the name of the Government to take out certain words and to put in other words. In fact, it is a sort of jig-saw puzzle to fit in the Amendments which have been put forward to this Clause. Why could we not have had a piece of straightforward wording which we could understand? Apparently the local authority are given several alternatives in the publication of the rates; by affixing the notice in some public or conspicuous place or by publishing or on the church door, or the parish hall, or by publishing in the newspapers circulating in the area. The person who wants to see what the rate is to be will not be able to tell from year to year whether it is going to be put up on the church or the chapel door, or the parish hall door, or at the local railway station, or in the local newspaper. Is that really what the Government intend? Is it necessary to adopt this procedure and not a more simple one?

Sir K. WOOD

This matter was discussed in Committee, and it was felt desirable to leave the publication to the discretion of the local authority?

Mr. THURTLE

I may be very dense, but I cannot understand what is meant by the Amendment on the Order Paper, page 2184, (2) Any such notice. I should like the Minister to explain what is meant by this.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think it is fairly obvious if the hon. Member will piece the Clause and the Amendments together.

Mr. THURTLE

"If the rating authority think fit"?

Mr. SPEAKER

I am afraid we cannot amend the printing.

Mr. ALEXANDER

This matter was discussed in Committee, but there are many businesses in this country which have different depôts and factories in very widely scattered parts, and I think it would be very desirable, from our point of view, the business point of view, if we could have a uniform practice in the issue of the rate notices. In spite of the discussion to-day, if the right hon. Gentleman would advise a more uniform system which would commend itself to those who are in business and who are connected with concerns in different parts of the country, it would, I think, be well.

Mr. LANSBURY

Really I do not know where the notice referred to comes in. I should like also, if the Parliamentary Secretary will read the Clause out to us as it will appear after the several Amendments have been made—

Sir K. WOOD

I have already done so.

Mr. LANSBURY

Excuse me, Mr. Speaker, I know the right hon. Gentleman read something out a while ago. We may be thick headed, but we should like to know where these words come in.

Sir K. WOOD

I will hand over my copy to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. LANSBURY

I hare it here, and I really can read. Will the hon. Gentleman tell me where these words come in?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Amendment is to leave out the words "a rate" at the beginning of Clause 6, and to insert instead thereof the words on the Order Paper. Then follow words which will make the new Sub-section (2) read: (2) Any such notice may, if the rating authority think fit, be given either by affix- ing the notice at any time within the said period of seven days on on near to the doors of churches and chapels in the manner prescribed— and so on.

Mr. LANSBURY

Mr. Speaker, if I may say so with respect, a man of experience like yourself can understand it, but I think an explanation should be given to the right hon. Gentleman.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made:

In page 6, line 42, leave out the words "in lieu of being given," and insert instead thereof the words be given either by affixing the notice at any time within the said period of seven days on or near to the doors of churches and chapels.

In page 7, line 1, leave out the words "be given," and insert instead thereof the word "or."

In line 2, after the word "notice," insert the words "within the said period."

In line 4, after the word "notice," insert the words "within the said period."

In line 7, at the end, insert the words (3) This Section shall come into operation on the appointed day."—[Mr. Chamberlain.]