§ 33. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the Railway and Canal Commission's decision in 544 connection with railway assessments; that unless there is some alteration made in the rating assessments of the railway companies it will mean an additional rate to many local authorities that have railway property in their boundaries ranging from 5d. to 1s. in the pound; and whether the Government have any intention of bringing a Bill before the House to deal with the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODI am aware of the decision with regard to the Southern Railway. I am not at present in a position to calculate what its effect may be on the rates of the local authorities concerned, but that aspect of the matter is engaging my attention. The associations of local authorities, as I understand, have the whole issue under review, and I can make no statement at present in reply to the last part of the question.