§ Mr. SM1TH-CARINGTONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the salaries paid in 1924 to the assistant overseers and collectors for the collection of £88,585 of rates in the area covered by local authorities of Stamford Union and Borough, Oakham Union and Urban District, and Uppingham Union amounted to £1,673 only, or less than two per cent. of the amount collected; and what estimate he makes for the cost of collection under the Rating and Valuation Bill?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend accepts the statement as to salaries made by my hon. Friend, though he cannot agree with the suggestion that the economies which will be effected by the Bill will be confined to savings on such1298W salaries. In the areas mentioned by my hon. Friend the number of rating authorities would be reduced by the Bating and Valuation Bill from 104 to 12. The number of rates to be made would also be reduced, and there will certainly be economies in account keeping and otherwise; but it is impracticable at this stage to make the estimate asked for.