§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ 3.59 p.m.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsI beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."
In the one minute at my disposal I would ask the House to give consideration 610 to this Bill, not in the anticipation that it will receive a Second Reading this afternoon but in the hope that Members will consider the principle involved. It is a little doubtful whether voluntary hospitals can properly be charged with rates, because the basis of valuation for rates is the rent which a willing tenant would give to a willing landlord, and I cannot imagine anybody renting a hospital, and so strictly speaking, I think they should riot be rated at all. On the other hand, since 1867, as a result of a judgment in another kind of case, voluntary hospitals have in fact been rated, except in one or two areas where the local authorities themselves have obtained powers not to rate them. I think the city of Glasgow is one of those enlightened boroughs, and a Yorkshire borough, either Halifax or Huddersfield, is the other. I am merely proposing in this Bill that the example set by the great city of Glasgow and a Yorkshire borough—two parts of the world where they are inclined to count money very carefully—should be followed. There they have taken the view that it is unfair to impose upon institutions maintained out of charitable contributions the heavy burdens represented by rates.
§ It being Four of the Clock, further proceeding stood adjourned.
§ Bill to be read a Second time upon Friday, 10th March.
§ Whereupon Mr. SPEAKER adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to Standing Order No. 2.
§ Adjourned at Four o'Clock until Monday, 6th February.