§ 37. Mr. BARNESasked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been directed to the notices sent out to the ratepayers in Brierfield by authority of the urban district council; and if, having regard to all the circumstances, which include shortage of work in the textile industry and a large number of men in the district having gone to the War, he proposes to take any action, with a view of more time being given for payment of rates and more consideration being given to the ratepayers in the special circumstances now obtaining?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Lewis)My right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to the notices referred to. The Local Government Board are not empowered to take any action in the matter. Under the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1914, it is within the discretion of the Court to prevent the levy of distress for the non-payment of rates, where the failure to pay is due to circumstances attributable directly or indirectly to the present War.