§ 70. Mr. WATTasked the Minister of National Service whether the term "house agent" in his recent order cancelling exemptions on occupational grounds is meant to apply to house factors in Scotland, part of whose duty it is to collect local rates and Imperial taxes along with rents of houses and business premises, or whether it applies only to house agents there who combine with other businesses that of letting furnished houses or apartments generally for short periods?
§ Mr. BECKYes, Sir; the term "house agent" is meant to include house factors of the class referred to, provided that they fall within the prescribed conditions as to age and medical category.
§ Mr. BECKI do not think my hon. Friend is right. Some of these men collect local rates as part of their work in connection with the arrangements made by local landlords; they do not collect on behalf of the Government.
§ Mr. HOGGEMy question was whether the collection of Imperial taxes is a work of national importance?