HC Deb 29 June 1931 vol 254 cc904-5W
Dr. PETERS

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the decisions in the courts under the Agricultural Rates Act, 1929, namely Hastings v. Revenue Authority, Walsingham (1930, 2, K.B. 278), and Towler v. Thetford Rural District Council (1930, 99, L.J.K.B. 258), regarding the rating of sporting rights; and what steps are proposed to be taken to remedy the difficulties which as a result now exist in the rating of such rights?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I am aware of the decisions in the cases referred to, and! that the legal position with regard to the persons liable for payments of rates in respect of sporting rights is in certain cir cumstances still in some doubt. The matter appears to be one in which assessment committees and county valuation committees interested might well avail themselves of the provisions of the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, which empower them to share the cost of securing authoritative decisions from the Courts on questions of principle.