§ MR. HOLLANDsaid, he would beg to ask, Whether there is any intention of amending the Union Assessment Act of 1862, so as to enable Assessment Committees to become Respondents in cases of Appeal at Petty Sessions against their valuations?
§ MR. VILLIERS,in reply, said, that he was unable to give his hon. Friend at that moment a precise answer to the question he had put. It was a very important question, and one which had an important bearing on the Act, and excited great interest among those persons who had, with so much advantage to the country, devoted their time and labour in discharging the duties imposed upon them by the Act as Assessment Committees. The subject, therefore, deserved every attention. It was only lately that many representations on the subject had reached the Poor Law Board, and it was then receiving its attentive consideration, with a view, if possible, of arriving at a just decision. He was bound, however, to tell his hon. Friend that, in the communications received, it was apparent that great difference of opinion existed on the matter among persons of competent authority, and especially as to the manner of meeting the object of his his hon. Friend, which he conceived to be that, when Appeals were lodged against the decisions of the Assessment Committees, adequate provisions should be made for those Appeals being properly heard and disposed of. It was alleged that the power of Appeal was given, but no provision was made for the appearance of Respondents. Full information, however, would shortly be in the hands of Members as to the general operation of this Act, as the Returns 462 ordered by the House at the close of last Session were then complete and would be presented; and if any Amendment of the Act appeared to be needed, there would be ample time in the course of this Session to introduce a Bill for the purpose.