§ 57. Captain BOWYERasked the Prime Minister whether the Government will pay an equitable contribution towards the 903 county rate in respect of properties in any county taken over by the Government for war emergency purposes; whether in such cases, if any, where the Government intend to occupy such properties permanently, he will cause valutions to be made of the improved values of such properties; and whether, in these cases, he will make contributions in lieu of rates based upon such valuation?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Government contribute to local rates, including the county rate, in respect of properties taken over for war emergency purposes on the principle that local authorities are to be placed in no worse, and in no better, position than they would have been in had the Government occupation not taken place. The contributions are therefore given on bases which exclude the new temporary buildings erected by the Government on the properties affected. Where the Government intend to occupy such properties permanently, valuations will be made taking into consideration the improvements made upon the land, and contributions in lieu of rates will subsequently be given on the basis of the improved values.