§ 78. Mr. HARRISasked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention that Woolwich Arsenal shall be de-rated as an industrial hereditament; and, if so, whether the Government will make good the loss to the local rates?
§ Sir K. WOODWoolwich Arsenal is not a rateable hereditament. Any reduction which may be made in the contributions in lieu of rates in view of the relief to be given to industrial hereditaments would, under Clause 88 of the Local Government Bill, be treated as if it were a reduction in money paid as rates.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes that involve a loss of something like £78,000 a year; and, if so, how do the Government propose that it shall be made up, when it is necessary to raise a penny rate?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir, it would not mean anything of the sort. As a matter of fact, Woolwich receives many valuable benefits from this scheme and if the hon. Gentleman studies Clause 88 of the Bill he will see the answer to his question.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill those benefits make up for the loss of the right hon. Gentleman?