§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount raised by local taxation in England and Wales in the financial years 1897–8 and 1907–8 respectively; and what proportion of the amount so raised is in respect of property coming within the scope of the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe answer to the first part of the question is as follows:—
Year. … … … … Total amount of public rates received by local authorities. 1897–8 … … … … £37,605,300 1907–8 … … … … 69,627,500 The amounts actually raised by assessment in respect of agricultural land cannot be given for these years or any other years since 1896–7. The following estimated amounts, which are based on average rates in the pound, and the rateable value of 1860W agricultural land and other property, respectively, are the best available for purposes of comparison:—
Total amount estimated to have been received in respect of Year. (a) Agricultural (b) Other hero-land, ditaments. 1897–8 … £1,790,400 £35,545,700 1907–8 … 2,394,500 56,979,700 These latter sums exclude the amounts raised by land drainage boards and some similar authorities.