HC Deb 15 February 1864 vol 173 c616

Order for Second Reading read.

Moved, "That the Bill be now read the second time."—(Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer.)

SIR BALDWIN LEIGHTON

remarked, that he did not think sufficient provision was made for special meetings of the Commissioners.

MR. HENLEY

said, he did not see any sufficient provision for the supplemental assessments and surcharges. There was a strict machinery for the assessments, which were to be handed over to the collector between April and Michaelmas. The supplementary assessments were going on through the winter quarters, and he did not see any provision to meet these difficulties.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, he agreed with the hon. Member for Shropshire, that there ought to be a provision for special meetings of the Commissioners, or for the purpose of allowing a longer period for those meetings. The general effect of the clauses would be to produce a great improvement. The assessments would be made with greater rapidity, and sufficient time would be given for the appeals, which would be heard before the collection took place, whereas now they could not be heard before the collection became due, and therefore the parties appealing had to go through another process—that of getting back their money if the appeals were allowed.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read 2°, and committed for Friday, 18th March.