§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ 12.34 p.m.
§ Sir K. WoodI beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."
The object of this Bill is to continue for a further quinquennium the temporary provisions contained in the Rating and Valuation Act, 1928, as regards the scales. of deductions from gross values in calculating rateable values in respect of small property, and the compounding allowances which may be made to owners. The Bill is immediately necessary, since the existing provisions will, if not extended, cease to operate in some areas on 1st April, 1938, when the new valuation lists are due to come into force. These lists will have to be substantially complete before the end of the calendar year. In default of amending legislation such as I am bringing forward to-day, the scale originally enacted in the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, will automatically be revived, with a resultant general increase in the rating burden on occupants of working class houses. The Bill is limited to rating areas outside London, because the present London scale will continue in operation until 1941. The Bill has the approval of the Central Valuation Committee, on which many local authorities are represented, and it will maintain the present position for the duration of the third new valuation lists.
§ 12.36 p.m.
§ Mr. GreenwoodThis is one of the Bills with regard to which I find myself having to say that I think it is a good Bill. The postponement for which it provides is, I think, urgently necessary, and it will prevent an increased burden from falling upon the occupants of working-class houses who are ratepayers. To that extent we on this side of the House clearly cannot oppose the right hon. Gentleman, much as we should like to do so on principle.
§ Question, "That the Bill be now read a Second time," put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read a Second time.
§ Bill committed to a Committee of the whole House for Monday next.—[Sir A. Lambert Ward.]