§ 37. Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked the Chancellor of he Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the amount of the annual Grant under the Agricultural Rates Act; and whether he will take steps without delay to re-adjust these Grants and base them upon the present rateable value and rates, and thus do away with the effect upon agricultural and other ratepayers in rural districts of the fact that the present Grants are based upon the rateable value and rates which were in force immediately prior to the passing of the Act of 1896, and which have since been greatly increased?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)I am aware of the position with regard to the Agricultural Rates Grant. Pending the Report of the Committee on Local and Imperial Taxation I am not prepared to take any action of the nature suggested.
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI cannot answer that.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITE"As originally rated," does not that mean that rents have risen, and is not that the result of this dole to the landlords?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for argument.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIf, as stated in the last part of the question, the rateable value has risen, is not that due to the effect of the Act of 1896?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThat is a question of opinion.