HC Deb 15 May 1905 vol 146 cc289-91
MR. BENN

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that if the basis of the present assessment of the Houses of Parliament, viz.: £40,000, were amended to accord with the basis of the assessment of the Carlton Club, it would be £105,000, and of the National Liberal Club, £122,000; and whether, in view of the rising rates in London, he will take steps to ensure Government property bearing its proper share of rating.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY (Mr. VICTOR CAVENDISH,) Derbyshire, W.

The valuation of the Houses of Parliament was specifically mentioned in the Treasury Minute of February 7th, 1896, which contained the following passage—"The Houses of Parliament have hitherto been exempt from contributions (except as regards the residential portion) on the ground of being a Royal Palace. My Lords regard this as a case in which some contribution may be allowed, but the rules for the assessment of private property are not applicable, and they therefore sanction the payment of a moderate contribution to be fixed with due regard to the peculiar character of the property." Having regard to the peculiar character of the property, the contribution which is based on a rateable value of £40,000 is, in the opinion of the Treasury, a reasonable one.

MR. BENN

May I ask whether in view of the peculiar character of the rating burdens in London the hon. Gentleman will recommend an increase in the Government contribution?

SIR ALBERT ROLLIT (Islington, S.)

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that intimation was given that a Committee might be appointed to consider the whole subject of the rating of Government property, including the Palace of Westminster. Is there still a willingness to appoint that Committee?

MR. VICTOR CAVENDISH

The matter was very carefully investigated by the official responsible for the Treasury in conjunction with the local authority, and the figure was agreed upon as reasonable. I can hold out no hope that the matter will be brought forward again. In reply to the hon. Member for Islington the Question is one which should be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. If such an intimation were given, and if there is any strong feeling on the subject, no doubt a Committee might be appointed.

SIR GEORGE BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

Is it not a fact that this payment of rates on Government property accounts for £500,000 increase in the Civil Service Estimates in the last few years.

MR. VICTOR CAVENDISH

Yes, Sir.

MR. BENN

The investigation to which the hon. Gentleman has referred took place as far back as 1896, and in view of the recent rise in the rates I submit another revision is necessary.