§ Mr. NIELDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can say whether grants in lieu of rates are made by the Treasury to local authorities in respect of naval and military barracks and other premises in the occupation of the Crown for naval and military purposes; if so, whether there is any distinction for this purpose between such premises and premises occupied by county associations under the Territorial Forces Act, 1907, which in effect are also in the occupation of the Crown; and whether, having regard to the difficulty which local authorities experience in meeting the ever increasing demands upon their funds, he will make provision for such grants being made in respect of the latter as well as the former class of Crown property?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEGrants in lieu of rates are made by the Treasury in respect of all premises in the occupation of the Crown for the public service when such premises are provided and maintained directly out of Votes of Parliament. The premises in the occupation of the county associations do not come under this category, being in a similar position to Volunteer premises prior to the Territorial Forces Act, for which no contributions in lieu of rates were given.