§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked whether, since the Telephone Transfer Bill contains no provisions as to the rating of the telephone undertaking after the same has been transferred to the Government, it is the intention of the Government to make a contribution in lieu of rates to the local authorities upon the part of the undertaking other than buildings occupied by the Grown; if so, upon what basis; and whether porvision will be made in the Bill to obviate, in the case of telephones, the effect of Section 22 of the Telegraph Act, 1868, which has prevented the telegraph undertaking being re-assessed since the passing of that Act?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThis question is under consideration, but I am not in a position to make a statement. No legislative powers are necessary in any case. The section of the Telegraph Act, 1868, which the hon. Member quotes, has no application in the present instance.