HC Deb 10 May 1923 vol 163 cc2604-5W
Sir C. COBB

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, owing to the relief from half the assessed rates given to occupiers of agricultural land under the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, the effect of Section 6 (1) of the Rating Act, 1874, which provides a particular method of bringing sporting rights into assessment where the land is let to a tenant, but the sporting rights are severed from the occupation of the land and are not let, is to give the owner of such sporting rights relief from payment of half the assessed rates attributable to the value of the sporting rights included in the assessment; and whether he will take steps to provide for the discontinuance of this advantage to such owners when introducing legislation for giving effect to the recently announced intention of the Government further to reduce the liability of occupiers of agricultural land from one half to one quarter of the local rates?

Lord E. PERCY

The point to which my hon. Friend refers is receiving my consideration. There is some doubt as to the legal position in the matter.