HC Deb 25 July 1910 vol 19 cc1749-50
Mr. WEDGWOOD

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can give an estimate of the annual cost to local authorities and Poor Law unions in England and Wales in respect of valuations and revaluations for rating purposes and also in respect of legal expenses in connection with appeals against the same?

Mr. BURNS

From the particulars furnished for the last ten years for which the Returns are complete, it is estimated that the average annual expenditure of local authorities in England and Wales, including London, in respect of valuation for local rates is about £170,000. This includes legal expenses in connection with appeals. I am not in a position to state the amount of these expenses separately.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what percentage of the local authorities have an up-to-date valuation, and how far this expenditure of £170,000 a year covers the complete revaluation of the country?

Mr. BURNS

No; but I shall be pleased to do my best to ascertain what the hon. Member wants to know.