§ 35. Mr. Eric Fletcherasked the Minister of Health whether he contemplates introducing, before the end of the present financial year, the Bill to give effect to the Government's decision on the assessment of railways for local rates, in accordance with the intimation of that decision which has been given to the local government associations and to the railway companies.
§ Mr. BevanI regret that it will not be possible, before the end of the present financial year and the beginning of the Fourth Roll period under the Railways (Valuation for Rating) Act, 1930, to introduce the Bill upon which the Government have decided, but I hope to be in a position to do so early in the coming financial year. The Bill will provide that it shall take effect from the beginning of the 563 Fourth Roll period as regards the main line railways, and the Third Roll period as regards the London Passenger Transport Board.
§ Mr. FletcherIs the Minister aware that, while all local authorities will welcome that announcement, there are still unsolved problems relating to the Third Roll period which might with advantage be dealt with in the proposed Bill?