MR. FENWICKI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, having regard to the fact that land and buildings occupied by scientific and literary societies are exempt from county, borough, parochial, and other local rates, he will consider the advisability of extending the said exemption to mechanics' institutes when conducted on similar principles?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARDI cannot hold out any expectation that I shall be prepared to propose legislation with a view to extending the exemption from assessment to local rates as suggested.
Mr. FENWICKWill the right hon. Gentleman consider applications for relief in the direction indicated in the Question if they are submitted to him?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARDYes, Sir; I will consider them.