HC Deb 06 July 1904 vol 137 cc805-6
MR. ALFRED DAVIES (Carmarthen Boroughs)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he will hold an inquiry by Royal Commission or otherwise into the grievances of the 22,000 ratepayers who have refused to pay rates under the Education Acts of 1902 and 1903; and, if not, will he say what course he intends adopting to remove the grievances of those who object conscientiously to the provisions of these Acts.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have never been able to understand that there were any grievances.

MR. ALFRED DAVIES

It is well known that there are grievances, so I press for a further reply.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It is not known to me.

MR. ALFRED DAVIES

May I ask what action will be taken with respect to the 22,000 ratepayers who have refused to pay the rates—putting aside the ques- tion whether or not they have a grievance.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I suppose that rests with the rating authorities.