§ Mr. SOAMESasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to renew the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, which expires on 31st March, 1910?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can only refer my hon. Friend to an answer that I gave yesterday on the same subject in reply to a question of the Noble Lord, the Member for the Thirsk and Malton Division (Viscount Helmsley).
§ Mr. HENRY CHAPLINMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that his answers on this question are causing great anxiety among a very wide circle? May we, at all events, know if the Act is to be allowed to lapse in 1910, whether the right hon. Gentleman has any idea of proposing anything in its place?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can only give the answer on that subject which I gave yesterday, and I cannot think that the anxiety is yet very widespread. I said the whole matter was receiving the very carefulconsideration of His Majesty's Government.