§ Mr. Emeryasked the Minister of Health, what rating authorities have decided not to accept his recommendations; contained in Circular 2215, dated 22nd November last, that a rebate should be allowed from the general rate when property is uninhabitable for a period exceeding seven consecutive days and what is the number of defaulters in the payment of rates under agreements for compounding in the areas referred to; and will he consider taking further steps in order to relieve the poorer property owners who are suffering hardship by the loss of their income from rents and are called upon to pay the full year's rate?
§ Mr. E. BrownI regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend on the first part of the Question is not available. As regards the last part, rating authorities already have power to reduce or remit the payment of general rates on account of the poverty of any person liable to the payment of the rates.