§ 70. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in seaside and other resorts large sums for local authority rate purposes are ordinarily collected from hotels and other buildings now commandeered by Government which are payable before the end of March; and whether any payments will be made to the owners of such 372 properties so as to enable them to meet their dues in rates in good time?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)Appropriate grants in lieu of rates have been made and will continue to be made to local authorities in respect of hotels and other buildings which have been requisitioned for Government use. Such grants, however, are made directly to the local authorities and not to the owners, who cease to be rateable when they vacate the premises.
§ Mr. DaviesIs that being done all over the country or only in certain cases?
§ Captain CrookshankI cannot answer off-hand, but what I have said is what should happen. If there has been any delay anywhere perhaps the hon. Member will let me know.