HC Deb 21 July 1887 vol 317 cc1618-9
MR. J. C. BOLTON (Stirling)

asked the Lord Advocate, Whether in consenting to refer the question of the valuation of municipal waterworks to a Select Committee, he has taken into account the fact, that a Bill in reference to the rating of machinery is now before a Select Committee of this House, and that any modification of the system of rating one description of property must necessarily affect all other property subject to the same rating authority?

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)

In consenting to a Select Committee on the Valuation of Water Works, Her Majesty's Government had in view the fact that a cognate question relating to valuation of machinery was before another Select Committee. There can be no doubt that any modification of the system of rating one class of property will affect other property. The Secretary for Scotland will be glad to consider any practical suggestion my hon. Friend may make as to the scope of the remit of the Select Committee.