MR. SEALE-HAYJSTE (Devon, Ashburton)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the Times report of his speech of Friday last is correct, from which it appears that he said—
With regard to the question of the division of rates. The Government entirely agreed there should be a division between the owners and the occupiers, provided there was proper and adequate representation of the owners They were anxious to deal with the subject when time and opportunity could be found;if so, whether the Government will introduce a Bill for the division of rates between owners and occupiers, or give facilities for the Second Reading of the Tenancies Rating Bill, which provides for such, division on the principle to which the Government agree?
§ MR. RITCHIEIt is impossible for the Government to add to their programme of legislation a Bill on the subject referred to in the question. They cannot undertake to give the hon. Member facilities for the Second Reading of his Bill.