§ Mr. GINNELLasked whether the Valuation Office in Ireland has a staff of qualified inspectors of land; when they were given power to revise the valuation of agricultural land in Ireland as distinct from buildings; what their procedure is; why it is done here and there partially in the absence of a general revaluation; and if he will say by whom and by what process the valuations of the lands of some purchasers and payers of interest are now being increased, with corresponding increase of rates, without any notice to the farmers or any inspector having gone on the lands?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe Valuation Office has a staff of qualified valuers. They are given the power to revise the Valuation of agricultural land in accordance with the provisions of the Valuation Acts whenever they are sent out by the Commissioner of Valuation to do so. The Revision only takes place when there is an application for such through the rating authorities. Outside the cities of Dublin and Belfast the total valuation of the agricultural land in any townland is not being increased. The valuer visits the land in all cases.
§ Mr. GINNELLHow does the right hon. Gentleman account for farms here and there being valued without any general revaluation and valued without the owner being aware of it?
Mr. McKINNON WOODChanges in periodical valuation are made without informing the owner in cases like that all over the country. I cannot give the hon. Member any more information unless he gives me notice.
§ Mr. GINNELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that land cannot be valued, like houses, without going upon it and testing it?