§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the privileged position of shops inside hospitals, clinics. and within the 859W precincts of railway stations in respect of rating; and whether he proposes to inform the rating authorities that such premises should be rated separately and on a basis which will be in keeping with the burden of assessment on ordinary trading premises?
§ Sir K. WOODMy attention has not previously been drawn to this question as regards shops in hospitals and clinics. As regards shops in railway stations, the House of Lords recently held, on a series of test appeals, that the premises under appeal were not railway hereditaments and should be rated separately, and effect will doubtless be given to the principles enunciated in those decisions in the assessment of such premises. Under the law governing the valuation of properties other than railway hereditaments the question of separate assessment is one for determination on the facts of each case by the assessment committee concerned. I have no power to give directions in the matter.