§ 9. Sir R. Aclandasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the Inland Revenue Department to give a decision on the rating assessment of cement works in the area of the Strood Rural District Council, about which he has received correspondence.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe assessment of these works for rating raises difficult questions of valuation which have been the subject of negotiation with representatives of the companies concerned. It is hoped to reach early agreement; failing that the lands tribunal will be asked to adjudicate.
§ Sir R. AclandWill the Financial Secretary agree that this has been a very long delay and that the rural district concerned is put to grave embarrassment by not knowing what the decision will be, and we hope that every step will be taken to expedite the negotiations?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI appreciate that, but I imagine that the hon. Baronet will also appreciate that it is very much in the interests of the rural district council 566 to secure that the rating law is properly applied to properties of this kind—such questions as deciding whether a rotary drill is rateable are horribly complex.