§ (2) The expenses incurred by a local authority in the execution of their powers under this Act shall be defrayed in the same manner as expenses incurred in the administration of the Public Health Acts, 1875 to 1908.
§ Mr. T. THOMSONI beg to move, at the end of Sub-section (2), to insert a new Sub-section—
(3) The occupier of premises in respect of which a statement is required to be furnished to the local authority shall pay to the local authority when furnishing such statement and on the first day of January of every year thereafter, so long as the premises are used for any purpose to which this Act applies, such fees as the Secretary of State may prescribe.This Amendment, like the previous one, is put down in the interests of and on behalf of municipal corporations, and provides that instead of the appeal being a charge upon the rates, the local authority may take fees.
Sir J. BAIRDIn accepting this Amendment, it is only right to say that it is not anticipated that any additional charge will be thrown upon the local authorities in carrying out the Bill, and certainly no new officers will have to be appointed. It is anticipated that the duties will be carried out by the existing officers. They are additional duties, and we think that in these circumstances a fee should be charged. Therefore, we accept the Amendment.
§ Amendment agreed to.
§ Bill to be read the Third time upon Monday next.