HC Deb 13 February 1929 vol 225 cc510-1

The following Amendments stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. GUINNESS:

In page 57, line 38, leave out the words "or may"

In page 58, line 9, at the end, insert the words: (3) Where by any enactment, including this Section, the amount of any drainage rate is to be determined by reference to the gross annual value of any property for Income Tax purposes, then, if the property is not assessed for Income Tax purposes under Schedule A of the Income Tax Act, 1918, as amended by any subsequent enactment, the value thereof shall, as from the appointed day, be determined in the event of any dispute by a court of summary jurisdiction.

Mr. SPEAKER

With regard to the Amendments, standing in the name of the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Agriculture, I have my doubts as to whether they are in order or not, and therefore I am afraid I cannot put them.

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)

Am I in order in explaining that this Amendment does not in any way increase the liability on a ratepayer?

Mr. MARDY JONES

Can the Minister, or anybody else, explain anything at this stage?

Mr. SPEAKER

No, I did not propose to allow the Minister to explain the Amendment.

Mr. BENN

May I ask whether you have the power to reject any Government Amendment? The Resolution of the House directs that you shall put Government Amendments from the Chair, and I would ask whether, under the terms of that Resolution, for which we are not responsible, the Chair has power to reject any Amendment?

Mr. SPEAKER

I must exercise common sense and not put Amendments which would be out of order, whatever the Resolution may say.