HC Deb 04 February 1915 vol 69 cc175-6

Motion made, and Question proposed,

1. "That a Supplementary sum, not exceeding £40,000, be granted to His Majesty, to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1915, for Rates and Contributions in lieu of Rates, etc., in respect of Government Property, and for Rates on Houses occupied by Representatives of Foreign Powers, and for the Salaries and Expenses of the Rating of Government Property Department, and for a Contribution towards the Expenses of the London Fire Brigade."

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Acland)

Yesterday, the only thing I knew about the Supplementary Estimate for this year was that the Foreign Office had none, for which I was very thankful. To-day, owing to the resignation of my right hon. Friend Mr. Masterman, I am responsible for furnishing the present Supplementary Estimates to the House. I do no think the House will want a long statement in explanation of them, but I think the Committee will feel that some statement of each of the Estimates is required. As to this Estimate of £40,000, nearly half of it, £17,000, is owing to the Government having taken up more property since the War began, and having to pay rates on the property which it has occupied. The rates upon it have increased quite apart from the War. Certain Government buildings have been occupied at an earlier date than anticipated, which means, of course, that the rates have been paid on them earlier than was expected; and secondly, as the local authorities have fixed their rate and their poundage at a date considerably after that on which those Estimates were originally prepared, it is very difficult to foresee what ought to be the correct Estimate of this Vote, and in many cases, particularly in London, the poundage on the rate has been higher than was anticipated at the time the Estimate was made, and that accounts, on the whole total of £763,000, for an increase of £23,000, namely, that part of the £40,000 which is not accounted for by the £17,000 due to the War.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the increase is in the City of London or the county council area?

Mr. ACLAND

There is a note in the Estimates stating that the additional provision is rendered necessary owing to the increased poundage of rates in London.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

In the City proper or the county council area?

Mr. ACLAND

I am afraid I do not know, but I can inform the hon. and learned Gentleman privately.

Question put, and agreed to.