§ MR. T.M. HEALY (Louth, N.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer will he grant a Return of the hereditaments in England, Ireland, and Scotland respectively held by the Crown in respect of which Treasury Bounty in lieu of rates is paid, and the amount in each case; can he say whether the amount of contribution is determined on the principle of what a hypothetical tenant would pay in each case; and, if so, what Treasury Official decides how much the hypothetical tenant would pay in the case of arsenals and dockyards.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HAYES FISHER, Fulham)The preparation of a Return giving each hereditament would be a very laborious matter; but if the hon. Member will move for a Return in continuation of Parliamentary Paper No. 221 of 1900, I shall be happy to grant it. Treasury contributions in lieu of rates are made as a matter of grace and favour. The valuations are based as far as practicable on the same principles as the valuations of private property. They are fixed in Ireland by the Commissioner of Valuation; in England, Wales, and Scotland by the Treasury, after personal negotiation between the Treasury Valuer and Inspector of Rates and the local rating authorities.