HC Deb 06 July 1916 vol 83 c1660
43. Sir A. MARKHAM

asked the President of the Local Government Boards whether, seeing no relief from rates is granted to business men who have been, called to the Army in respect to their business premises where they have been, unable to close their premises and remove their stock prior to their joining the Colours, he will take steps to see that relief from rates is granted in such cases where these men have been unable to remove their stock; or will he communicate with the local authorities giving them a discretionary pow7er in these cases to forego the rates on such premises if they think fit to do so?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Hayes Fisher)

Rates form one of the obligations in respect of which relief may be claimed from the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee, and I think this is the proper way of dealing with cases such as those to which the hon. Baronet refers. My right hon. Friend has no power to direct or authorise local authorities to forego the demand for rates.