§ 13. Mr. R. RUSSELLasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that certain rating authorities are making abortive the excusal of rates in cases of poverty by the passing of resolutions of compounding and so placing upon the owner the power and liability to collect from the tenants excused; and if he will take steps to prevent this?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe excusal of rates on the ground of poverty and the operation of the compounding provisions are matters entirely within the discretion of the rating authority, and I have no power to interfere.