§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
VISCOUNT GAGEMy Lords, this is a comparatively small Bill which extends for a further period of five years the temporary provisions contained in the Rating and Valuation Act of 1928, regarding deductions made in the valuation of small properties, and variable allowances which may be made to the owners. The Bill is necessary because unless the period is extended the Act will cease to operate on April r next, when the new valuation list is due to come into force. Your Lordships will understand that if this amending legislation is not passed the scales enacted in the Act of 1925 will automatically revive, and these small 375 properties will generally have a further burden automatically placed upon them. The Bill is limited to rating areas outside London, and the present rating scale will continue in operation until 1941. I do not think it is necessary to explain anything more about the Bill, except to tell your Lordships that it has the approval of the Central Valuation Committee. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Viscount Gage.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.