HC Deb 10 March 1924 vol 170 cc1927-8
91. Mr. BLACK

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, owing to the Tithe Rent Charge (Rates) Act, 1920, the ratepayers of Panfield parish have been charged an additional rate of 2s. 7d. in. the £, and the ratepayers of Little Yeldham 2s. 5d. in the £; and whether the Government will undertake that the Act shall not be renewed?

Mr. BUXTON

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health informed the hon. Member for Mid-Bedforshire (Mr. Linfield) on the 3rd March, the effect of the Ecclesiastical Tithe Rent Charge (Rates) Act, 1920, has been in some parishes to increase the poundage of the rates, but I have no special information as to the extent of such increase in the two parishes of Pan-field and Little Yeldham. The whole question of the rating of tithe rent charge is under consideration, but I cannot, at present, say what proposals, if any, will eventually be submitted by the Government to Parliament on the subject.

Mr. BLACK

How long will it be before these parishes are able to have a satisfactory answer from the Government?

Mr. BUXTON

I can only say that the situation arises from the action of previous Governments, and it is not yet possible to say what can be done by this Government.

92. Mr. BLACK

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the total amount by which the clerical tithe-owners have been relieved by the operations of the Ecclesiastical Tithe Rent Charge (Rates) Act, 1920; and how the amount which would otherwise have been levied has been made up?

Mr. BUXTON

I have no information as to the total amount of rates from which clerical tithe-owners have been relieved by the operation of the Ecclesiastical Tithe Rent Charge (Rates) Act, 1920. The amount in question would in the ordinary course be raised from the general ratepayers in the parishes concerned.

Mr. LEIF JONES

Could not the right hon. Gentleman obtain this information? Is he not aware that this is a very burning question in many parishes, and the information ought to be available somewhere?

Mr. BUXTON

I will inquire of the Ministry of Health.