§ 61. Mr. Lipsonasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that many local authorities are suffering great loss of rates in consequence of the requisitioning of important buildings in their areas; and will the Government make equivalent grants to these authorities to compensate them for this loss?
§ Captain CrookshankI am aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the question. The Government pro- 35 pose to make appropriate grants to the local authorities concerned in cases where rates have ceased to be payable consequent upon the requisitioning of rateable property during the present emergency. The Treasury Valuer is giving consideration to cases as they arise, and is already in communication with several authorities.
§ Mr. LipsonWhile thanking my right hon. and gallant Friend for his reply, may I ask whether that means that rates will be charged on buildings which have been requisitioned, even though they are not yet used for the purposes for which they were requisitioned?
§ Captain CrookshankI would like to see the question on the Paper. Questions about rating are very technical. I have answered the question the hon. Member asked.