HC Deb 09 December 1912 vol 45 c47
90. Mr. STANIER

asked if any answer has been sent to the Adbaston Parish Council with reference to the resolution submitted to the Board, asking the Board's support to the removal of the exemption from rates and taxes of the works occupied by Messrs. Cadbury on the Knighton estate; and whether the Local Government Board will support any Bill which may be promoted to attain this end?

Mr. BURNS

I have given further consideration to this matter. As intimated in my reply to the hon. Member for West Staffordshire on the 21st ultimo, legislation would be necessary to give effect to the resolution of the parish council. I have caused the resolution to be noted, but I am not in a position at the present time to promise to introduce a Bill on the subject. I am informing the parish council accordingly. I will give careful consideration to any Bill which may be promoted to secure the end in view.

Mr. STANIER

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, in which I asked if he will support any Bill?

Mr. BURNS

That will depend upon its contents.

Mr. RAFFAN

If any Bill is introduced will the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is extremely undesirable that works and buildings should be rated, and will he rather support a proposal that they should be relieved throughout the whole parish?

Mr. BURNS

That is one of the many factors that will have to be considered in connection with such a Bill.