§ MR. CHANNING (Northamptonshire, E.)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the preparation of the Government measure as to valuation and assessments, consideration will be given to the present difference between the assessment of cottages owned and occupied by working men and the assessment of similar cottages when the rates are compounded; and whether provisions will be made to modify this 476 practice so as to give greater encouragement to thrifty men to acquire their own cottages.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) The proposed Bill will relate only to amendments in the Law with respect to valuation authorities and the effect of and procedure for making valuation lists. Where the owner compounds for the rates he receives a deduction from the amount which would otherwise be payable in respect of the rate, but the valuation of the property is not affected. The alteration in the Law suggested by the hon. Member would therefore be outside the scope of the Bill.