HC Deb 18 May 1915 vol 71 c2135
54. Mr. WHELER

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the fact that many private houses, now being used as hospitals for the wounded in the War, are liable to be rated; and whether he will consider introducing a Bill to enable their exemption from rates where the guardians are satisfied that such houses are bonâ fide used solely for such purpose and that only those wounded and those necessarily attendant on them reside therein?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

As stated in reply to a question on 9th March, if a local authority, in cases of the kind referred to, should see fit to exempt the premises from rating, the Board themselves would not, in the present circumstances, wish to take exception to such a course.

Mr. WHELER

Have not the Local Government Board power to exempt from rating private houses?

Mr. H. SAMUEL

No, Sir, the power of exemption is vested in the local authorities.