§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the transfer of the National Telephone Company's undertakings to the Crown will result in a loss to the local rates throughout the country and an addition to the rate burden now borne by farmers, small holders, and shopkeepers; and whether, to avoid this loss, the Government propose to continue to pay rates in respect of such undertakings or, alternatively, to pay an equivalent grant in lieu thereof based upon their annual value as appearing in the valuation lists?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe Government have considered the matter; and, as I have already stated in reply to earlier questions, they are prepared to make some contribution in lieu of rates on the buildings and plant to be acquired, but the precise basis of the contribution has not yet been settled. Some delay has occurred owing to the necessity of awaiting certain returns of assessments which the National Telephone Company is furnishing.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWill these contributions be equivalent to what would have been received from the undertaking formerly?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI cannot give an answer to that. I have stated that the precise basis of the contribution has not yet been settled.