§ 82. Mr. RILEYasked the Minister of Health the number of authorities in Great Britain which levy rates upon machinery and the number which do not levy rates upon machinery?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI regret that I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member a fortnight ago in reply to a similar question.
§ Mr. RILEYIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are districts side by side where rates are levied upon machinery and where they are not, and as a consequence of that a severe handicap is placed upon manufacturers in one 1515 district as compared with another? Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to introduce legislation on this subject?
§ Major CRAWFURDIn the forthcoming Bill in regard to rating, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of the standardisation of the system in regard to rating of similar machinery all over the country?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe whole question of the rating of machinery has been the subject of investigation by a Committee. The recommendations of that Committee are now under consideration by the Government, and I hope to be able to introduce legislation dealing with the matter in the course of the present Session.