§ Mr. PRETYMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the instructions given by the Reference Committee that valuation cases should be heard by the referees in private; whether this would apply to cases where the appellant has no objection to publicity; and, if not, will he give instructions accordingly?
§ Mr. CASSELalso asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that owing to the exclusion of the Press and public from the proceedings before the referees, under Part I. of The Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, important decisions remain unknown to persons interested; and whether he will take steps to enable such decisions to be made known to the public?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)I am aware of the instructions referred to, and I am considering whether it can be arranged that the records of proceedings before referees should be made available to persons interested in the administration of the Act.
§ Mr. PRETYMANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that every property owner liable to this tax is interested, and may I take it that the only possible means of informing them is through the public Press?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI think I have answered that by saying that I am considering the question of the publication of these reports. I think there is a good deal to be said for it.