§ 78. Mr. JOHNasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, owing to the physical formation of the valleys in which the large mining population of the South Wales and Monmouthshire 2566 coalfield reside, the sewering of the valley is effected by the local authorities charged with the duty of seeing to the same by the construction of trunk sewers with outlets in the Bristol Channel; that such trunk sewers in reaching the sea pass underground through certain parishes in rural districts; that these main sewers are invariably assessed in such rural parishes for very large amounts for local rating purposes, upon which assessments considerable sums are annually paid in local rates by the local authorities owning such sewers, and in respect of which payment no services are rendered to nor are any benefits derived by such authorities; and whether, having regard to the fact, he will insert in the Bating Bill about to be introduced a provision exempting all sewers and sewer works from liability to rates, as was done in the case of Income Tax under the Finance Act, 1921, so that the South Wales and Monmouthshire local authorities, and all other authorities similarly circumstanced, may be relieved of this burden?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThis is not a matter which could be included within the scope of the proposed Rating Bill, nor could I undertake to introduce special legislation for the purpose.