HC Deb 28 July 1909 vol 8 cc1324-5W
Mr. BARNARD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that it is in many cases necessary or expedient that such persons or bodies of persons as are referred to in Clause 25 of the Finance Bill should anticipate their immediate requirements with respect to lands, it is intended that the exemption referred to in the clause shall apply to lands or interests in lands which are held by such persons or bodies of persons in the expectation that they may ultimately be required for the purposes of the undertaking or institution carried on by such persons or bodies of persons but which are not immediately required or used for those purposes?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

In its present form Clause 25 restricts the exemption to cases in which land is actually occupied and used for "public purposes or charitable purposes." I will consider the point raised by my hon. Friend.

Mr. BARNARD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that any sum required to meet any deficiency in the Water Fund of the Metropolitan Water Board has to be paid to the Board by the various local authorities within their limits of supply out of moneys raised by rates leviable by such local authorities pursuant to precepts issued to them by the Board, it is intended that the Board shall be deemed to be a rating authority within the meaning of Clause 24 of the Finance Bill; and whether it is intended that the exemption referred to in that clause shall apply to all lands or interests in lands held by a rating authority or only to lands or interests in lands held by any such authority for the purposes of the performance of their duties as such authority?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I will bear in mind the point raised by my hon. Friend in the first part of the question, but I think he will agree with me that the best time to discuss it will be when Clause 24 is being considered in Committee. I may also direct his attention to the new clause for the exemption of statutory companies proposed to be inserted after Clause 25, which I have placed upon the Paper. As regards the second part of the question, the exemption granted by Sub-Clause (1) will apply to all lands or interests in land held by a rating authority.