§ 47. Sir WALTER de FRECEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the resolutions now being passed by public authorities all over the country in favour of a comprehensive inquiry into the incidence of local taxation, he will consider the desirability of taking steps to meet what is a very general desire?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe whole subject of local taxation is, as stated in the King's Speech, under consideration, but I am not at present able to make any further statement upon it.
§ 49. Mr., MARDY JONESasked the Prime Minister whether the Government proposes to introduce a Rating Bill during the present Session; and, if so, will he extend the scope of the Bill so as to make mining royalties and ground rents liable to local rates?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not at present in a. position to make any statement as to the introduction of the proposed Bill or as to its contents.