§ MR. TIMOTHY HEALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, will any figures or returns be given by the Government on which they calculated the amount of the agricultural grant for Ireland in the Local Government Bill?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe estimated total amount levied on account of local rates on agricultural land in Ireland during the standard year 1896–97 was in respect of poor rate about £615,890, and in respect of county cess about £924,637, making a total of £1,540,527. From this latter sum deductions amounting in the aggregate to £113,316 are to be made, leaving a sum of £1,427,211. One half of the latter amount is £713,605, which, added to £13,140 for union rating, makes £726,745, or, say, £730,000 as the estimated amount of the agricultural grant. It must, of course, be understood that the figures on which this estimate is based are merely approximate, and that I cannot guarantee their precise accuracy.
§ MR. T. LOUGH (Islington, W.)Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much of the rates were on holdings under £4?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI am afraid I cannot do that.
§ MR. TIMOTHY HEALYHave instructions been given to the valuation officers to alter the rates on buildings on the land?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURNo, Sir; the rate on the buildings on the land will remain as now.