§ 48. Mr. G. Hardieasked the Prime Minister to whom questions should be addressed in order to obtain information as to the purchase price of lands acquired for the purpose of aerodromes by local authorities, and as to their value for purposes of Income Tax assessment?
§ The Prime MinisterQuestions relating to the purchase price of land required for aerodromes by local authorities are, in so far as a loan consent by a Minister is necessary, matters for the Minister of Health. All questions relating to Income Tax assessment are a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I am informed, however, that it is not the practice of the Board of Inland Revenue to make public the annual value of a particular property as assessed to Schedule A except to the owner or occupier or to the rating authority under the provisions of the Rating Acts.
§ Mr. HardieDoes not the Prime Minister think it is the duty of any Department to give the information asked for on a public question like this? Already seven questions have been put, and we have not got an answer?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think it is my place to give an opinion on that particular matter, but as the hon. Member takes an interest in this subject, I suggest it may be raised in Debate on the suitable Estimate. It is a difficult matter to pursue by question and answer.
§ Mr. HardieIs it not the fact that whenever we ask a question in this House relating to the purchase of land for armament purposes, we never get an answer?
§ Mr. Craven-EllisCan the right hon. Gentleman confirm the statement that Income Tax assessment has no relation to value?