HC Deb 15 October 1941 vol 374 cc1378-9W
Mr. Emery

asked the Minister of Health whether rating authorities have discretion to apply the principles laid down in Circular 2215, of 22nd November, 1940, to properties which are the subject of a compounding agreement entered into voluntarily under Section 11 (2) of the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, and, if not, is he prepared to take such action as will confer discretionary powers upon rating authorities in this respect; and is he aware that there is not uniformity of practice amongst rating authorities in this matter?

Miss Horsbrugh

The suggestions in Circular 2215 are applicable to an owner who has undertaken to pay the rates chargeable so long as the property is occupied. In cases in which the owner has undertaken to pay the rates whether the property is occupied or not, it is open to the owner to give notice to terminate the agreement and, though my right hon. Friend realises that there may be some divergence in practice between rating authorities, he does not consider that legislation to deal with this aspect of the matter is necessary.