§ Mr. SNOWDEN(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Health whether for the information of the House and the convenience of forthcoming Debates, a White Paper is to he laid explaining more precisely and in greater detail than was possible yesterday the Government's proposals on the subject of rating relief?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Chamberlain)The Valuation (Ascertainment) Bill mentioned yesterday by my right hon. Friend will be made available to Members as soon as practicable and will indicate the properties to which the reduction of three-quarters will apply. I propose also shortly to lay before Parliament a White Paper containing particulars obtained from rating 912 authorities of the various elements constituting the rate funds of the authorities.
§ Mr. E. BROWNWill that Paper follow the lines of the Memorandum issued in connection with the Rating (Scotland) Bill, which showed the incidence of the rates upon 15 classes of properties?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir, it will he rather similar to that.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALDWill the right hon. Gentleman give us a little more definite information than "as soon as practicable"? Yesterday it was stated, I think, "as soon as the Budget Resolutions were passed." May we expect it within, say, a week?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI should not like at this stage to commit myself to an exact date, but I can assure the right hon. Gentleman it will not be very long.