§ 41. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to give county councils the right of access to rating books for the purpose of informing the catchment authorities of their rateable area?
§ Mr. GREENWOODUnder Section 60 of the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, 2260 valuation lists and rate books are open to inspection by any ratepayer or any person authorised by a ratepayer to act on his behalf. I am, however, in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, as to the steps which it may be necessary or desirable for rating authorities to take so that the totals of rateable value included in the various catchment areas may be readily available to county councils and catchment boards, and I hope shortly to be in a position to com municate with the rating authorities concerned.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEDoes that mean that the right hon. Gentleman will have to introduce legislation on this matter?
§ Mr. GREENWOODNo, I think it can be arranged administratively.
§ 71. Mr. PHILIP OLIVER (for Mr. BLINDELL)asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the resolution passed and sent to him by the Ancholme drainage authority relating to the difficulty experienced in levying drainage rates under the Land Drainage Act, 1930; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. CHARLES EDWARDS (Lord of the Treasury)My right hon. Friend has discussed personally with representatives of the Ancholme Drainage and Navigation Commissioners difficulties arising in connection with the levying of rates on the basis of annual value, instead of on an acreage basis. The provisions of the Act must, of course, be observed, but my right hon. Friend will be ready to assist this and other drainage authorities as far as he can in carrying out the requirements of the Act.