§ MR. THEODORE TAYLOR (Lancashire, Radcliffe)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that there is affixed to the demand note for rates in the parish of Liverpool an appeal by the churchwardens to the parishioners for the payment of a voluntary rate for church and other purposes; and, if so, whether he will intimate to the churchwardens that voluntary rates ought not to be applied for by the collector of compulsory rates and in conjunction with the latter.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) I have made inquiry on this subject, and I find that the facts are as stated in the first part of the Question. It appears, however, that the paper which is attached to the demand note makes it clear that the church rate is a voluntary one. I am aware that there is some objection to an application for a voluntary rate being sent out with the demand note for rates enforceable by law, and I have informed the churchwardens and overseers of my views in the matter.