§ MR. FIELDI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the land of Ireland has not been revalued for nearly half a century, that a majority of 704 the buildings are in the same condition as regards rating, and whether new buildings and improved premises have been valued according to their present rental; whether he is aware that on this account the rateable valuations of land and buildings are unequal and frequently inaccurate in Ireland; whether, seeing that the local authorities in England, Scotland, and Wales are empowered to revalue all property at such periods as they may think desirable, he can state upon what grounds a similar right is withheld from Ireland; and whether the Government will consider the desirability of converting the Valuation Office into a popular board on which all classes of Irishmen may be represented.
§ MR. WYNDHAMIt is true that nearly fifty years have elapsed since the general valuation of Ireland was completed. There is no power to revise that valuation owing to the fact that Bills introduced by the Government in 1865 and 1878, making provision for a general revaluation, were withdrawn, mainly owing to the opposition of the Irish Members. The inequalities referred to in the second paragraph no doubt exist. It is generally admitted that the Irish system, under which a valuation has been carried out by a central body, is more uniform, consistent, and satisfactory than the system existing in this country. The reply to the last paragraph is in the negative.
§ MR. O'SHEEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether in the revaluation of rateable property in county boroughs about to be made steps will be taken to obtain a separate valuation of buildings and of land in the same way as in rural districts under Griffith's Valuation; and whether in the case of a revaluation of rateable property in urban districts the same distinction will be adopted.
§ MR. WYNDHAMIn the revaluation of Belfast now being issued to the rating authorities all lands except what may be termed the curtilages surrounding villas are separately valued.