§ Mr. JEREMIAH MacVEAGHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that in Ireland, under Griffith's Valuation, the value of buildings in the case of farms is estimated separately, but as an addition to the value of the gross area, with the result that the built-on area is valued twice over; whether he is aware that in England the separate value of lands and buildings must not exceed the gross value of the undivided hereditament; and what steps he proposes to take to reconcile those different systems of valuation so as to prevent injustice?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI think that the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Under Griffith's valuation, land and buildings in Ireland are separately valued, but the aggregate valuation represents a valuation of the hereditaments as a whole. In cases where buildings have been erected on the land since the valuation was made in 1852, the whole subject is revalued, including the land, but in no case is the "built-on area valued twice over." In these circumstances my right hon. Friend does not propose to take any action.
§ Mr. J. C. R. LARDNERIs it a fact that in the valuation of farms under the Griffith's valuation the area of the entire farm is valued for land, and that in the valuation for buildings the land which is the site of the buildings is included?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe information I have received and just read points to the fact that under the Griffith's valuation land and buildings in Ireland are separately valued.
§ Mr. LARDNERYes; but they are doubly valued.