HC Deb 04 November 1954 vol 532 cc573-5
10. Mr. Mitchison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in some cases contributions in lieu of rates are not made in respect of requisitioned property occupied for the public service; in what circumstances such contributions are made in respect of such requisitioned property; and whether he is satisfied that the omission to make contributions in such cases conforms with the principle adopted by the Treasury Minute of 25th June, 1874, and subsequently reaffirmed, that property occupied for the public service should contribute to the local rates equally with other property.

Mr. H. Brooke

Contributions are made in respect of all property occupied by the Crown, including requisitioned property. I think that the hon. and learned Member may be referring to the contributions in respect of requisitioned property occupied by the Fighting Services, which continue to be made on the basis of the rateable value at the date of requisition. This shields the local authority from loss of rates, but precludes profit attributable to the emergency.

Mr. Mitchison

Is that practice consistent with what was said in the Treasury Minute in 1874, that there should be equality in these matters between Government contributions in lieu of rates and the rates that are paid by the people?

Mr. Brooke

The Question has stimulated me to study with unusual care the terms of the Treasury Minute of 1874, and my answer to the hon. and learned Member is, "Yes, I think it is consistent."

Mr. Mitchison

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

11. Mr. Mitchison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that when contributions are made in lieu of rates in respect of property occupied for the public service, deductions are occasionally made from such contributions on account of services not provided by the local authority; what is the principle on which such deductions are made; and whether he is satisfied that such deductions conform with the principle adopted by the Treasury Minute of 25th June, 1874, and subsequently reaffirmed, that property occupied for the public service should contribute to the local rates equally with other property.

Mr. H. Brooke

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." The principle is that the rates upon any property, whether in Crown or private occupation, depend in part on the extent of the services for which the local authority makes provision. The answer to the last part of the Question, therefore, is also "Yes, Sir."

Mr. Mitchison

Does that mean that a private ratepayer who does not get certain services is entitled to make deductions from his rates?

Mr. Brooke

No, Sir, he is not entitled to make deductions on his own account from the rates. If the hon. and learned Member has any further questions on this subject, perhaps we could discuss them altogether when he raises the matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Mitchison

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise this matter, too, on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.