Major BARNESasked the Minister of Health what would be the reduction in the assessable value for local rates if the Rating of Machinery Bill becomes operative, and what increase in the average poundage would be required to make up the deficiency; and whether, in sanctioning the raising of loans by local authorities, he takes their assessable value into account; and, if so, to what extent?
§ Sir A. MONDOwing to the diversity of practice in different unions with regard to the rating of machinery, it is not possible to give any figures in reply to the first part of the question. The386W answer to the second part is in the affirmative. Under the Public Health Acts loans are limited in amount to twice the assessable value of the district, but this limitation does not apply to loans for various purposes, such as housing and education.