HC Deb 08 June 1931 vol 253 cc610-1
42. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many drainage authorities, prior to the Drainage Act, 1930, levied rates on annual value, and how many on acreage or other basis?

Dr. ADDISON

According to the Ministry's information the number of drainage authorities who are known to have levied their rates on the basis of annual values is 93, and on acreage or other basis 258.

43. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many drainage authorities, which prior to 1st August, 1930, levied rates on an acreage basis, have completed the ascertainment of the necessary particulars in order to enable such authorities to levy rates on an annual value basis as defined by the Act of 1930; and how many have levied a rate on such annual basis?

Dr. ADDISON

Drainage authorities are not required to furnish to the Ministry any information as to the progress made in the preparation of their valuation lists, or as to rates levied. I am therefore not in a position to furnish the particulars desired by the hon. and gallant Member.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Has the right hon. Gentleman not received this information through the catchment areas?

Dr. ADDISON

Of course, the information in each case is known to the authority in question, but there is no necessity to make it known.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of any considerable delay owing to the difficulty of levying on the annual value?

Dr. ADDISON

No, I have not heard of any.