§ 24. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many local authorities consider that the administration of the Rating and Valuation Act will add to the burdens of the ratepayers; and whether he has made any estimate as to the amount by which this Act will increase or decrease expenses?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe cost of administering the new Act will depend largely upon the methods adopted by local authorities in the organisation or reorganisation of their staffs. Though the simplifications introduced by the Act should, in the long run, make for substantial economies, no material is available for an accurate estimate, and it is, 274 In my view, too early to form an opinion of any value as to the comparative cost of the new and the old systems.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire from one or two counties so that we may know what effect the Act is likely to have?