§ Captain Ramsayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that by a literal interpretation of an Act of 1854 small greenhouses and pigeon-houses kept by working men as hobbies are being held liable to rates; and, in view of the fact that both these hobbies are worthy of encouragement and that neither are indulged in for trade purposes, will he consider the matter with a view to allowing a maximum size of between 80 and 100 square feet to be deemed to be below the limit of assessability to rates in respect of such greenhouses or pigeon-houses?
§ Mr. ElliotThe point raised by my hon. and gallant Friend has not previously 751W been brought to my notice but I shall look into it. Any exemption from rates for which provision is not already made in the Statutes would involve amending legislation, as to which I am not in a position to make any statement.