§ 28. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary for Mines whether it is usual to measure the local rates levied upon mining companies according to the amount of coal or minerals produced, thus acting as a tax on output which must tend to restrict the output; whether under this system a remission of charge follows upon the closing down of any mine, and an increase of charge has to be met if a mine is reopened; and whether he has considered the effect of this system upon trade and unemployment?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Major Boyd-Carpenter)I have been asked to answer this question. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health is advised that a mine, like other rateable property, is assessable to local rates upon an estimate of the annual rent which a tenant might be expected to give for it, and the output which may reasonably be anticipated is obviously an important factor in estimating the rent which a tenant would be likely to give. It follows that the closing and subsequent reopening of a mine must affect its rateable value. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend will be happy to consider any suggestions which the hon. and gallant Gentleman may have to make.
Lieut. - Colonel WATTS - MORGANWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries, when he will find that this question is correct in stating that the rates are levied on the output, and not on the value of the mines?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI will convey my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESDo I understand the hon. and gallant Member to say that local rates are levied on mining royalties?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERThat does not arise.