§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the charges made for summonses for non-payment of borough rates vary in the Metropolitan boroughs, the practice in some boroughs being to charge 6d. or 1s., whilst in others as much as 2s. 6d. or 3s. 6d. is charged; will he consider the expediency of taking steps to secure a uniform system; in what way are these charges accounted for; and whether he will consider the practicability of discontinuing them.
§ Mr. GLADSTONEAll I can say is that in the Table of Fees for Justices' Clerks in force in the county of London, the authorised fee for complaint, summons, and hearing in a rate case is 1s. where the sum involved is under 40s., and 2s. where it is above 40s. I have no information as to the charges mentioned in the Question, but if the hon. Member brings any specific cases to my notice I will make further inquiry.