§ Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the cost to the State of the rebate of rates on agricultural land in Scotland since the year 1896?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe aggregate amount paid to local authorities in Scotland under the Agricultural Rates (Scotland) Acts, 1896 to 1923, in respect of reduction of rates on agricultural lands and heritages since the year 1896 till 15th May, 1930, is £8,815,215. To this should be added that part of the grant in respect of loss of rates in 1929–30 payable to local authorities under Section 75 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, which represents such loss on agricultural subjects and is estimated to amount to £950,000.