§ 18. Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many local authorities are alarmed at the policy of the railway companies in seeking to avoid payment of local rates; and whether it is the intention of the Government to take the necessary steps to see that railway companies continue to pay local rates?
Sir H. YOUNGThe hon. Member no doubt has in mind recent judicial decisions in the cases of the Southern Railway and the London and North Eastern Railway. I am aware that those decisions have caused some concern, but they are at present subject to appeal, and I am not in a position to make any statement until the appeals have been decided.