§ 47. Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the 75 per cent. abatement in the assessment of agricultural land and farm buildings is repaid by the Treasury to local authorities to meet the deficiency caused by such abatement?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Chamberlain)I have been asked to reply. It is estimated that in 1926–27 (the latest year for which the estimate can be made) the amount of rates, to which the Agricultural Rates Acts, 1896 and 1923, apply, which was paid in respect of agricultural land was £3,450,000. and that if the Agricultural Rates Acts had not been in force the amount so paid would have been £12,460,000. Of the deficiency. amounting to £9,010,000, £4,684,000 or approximately 52 per cent., was met out 989 of Exchequer grants. The 75 per cent. abatement in the assessment of farm buildings has not yet become operative. There is no statutory provision for an Exchequer grant in respect of this abatement.