§ MR. ONSLOW (for Colonel BRISK)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether his attention has been called to the difficulties that now exist in the collection of Highway Rates from small and indigent occupiers, the auditors in some districts having called upon the surveyors to pay out of their own pockets, in cases where the rent cannot be collected; owners of small tenements not being able to compound for the Highway Rate in same way as for Poor Rate under the "Small Tenements Act?"
§ MR. DODSONSir, my attention has been called to the difficulties in the collection of highway rates from small occupiers, in consequence of the repeal of the Small Tenements Eating Act; but I am not aware of any cases in which the auditors have surcharged the surveyors with the rates in cases where the rent of the property cannot be collected. I may add that a Bill for restoring the power of compounding for the highway rates on small tenements is in a forward state of preparation, and I hope to introduce it shortly.