HC Deb 07 July 1932 vol 268 cc599-600
25. Mr. PARKINSON

asked the Minister of Health the total amount of money which industrialists and others in the administrative county of Lancashire have been relieved of in rates due to the derating system?

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Hilton Young)

It is estimated that the occupiers of agricultural, industrial and freight transport hereditaments in the administrative county of Lancaster were relieved of rates to the extent of about £675,000 in respect of the ha-lf-year ended 31st March, 1930. Similar information is not available for subsequent rating periods, but there is no reason to suppose that the amount of relief has varied substantially.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Has the Derating Act had the good effects that were anticipated when the Government introduced it?

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Parkinson.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

On a point of Order. My supplementary question had bearing on the original question, and referred to the Derating Act, which was brought in by the predecessor of the present Minister of Health.

Mr. SPEAKER

That is quite true, but it was unsuitable as a supplementary question.