§ Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now make a statement regarding contributions to local authorities in lieu of rates, in respect of properties and camps now 398W occupied by the Army and Royal Air Force, with particular reference to East Sussex rural and urban districts?
§ Sir K. WoodI assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to land and other properties which have been requisitioned for war purposes and to temporary camps which have been erected for the accommodation of troops and Royal Air Force personnel. It is recognised that it would be unfair that local authorities should suffer a diminution in rate income in consequence of the requisitioning of properties for war purposes, and it is the general practice in such cases to grant contributions in lieu of rates based on the assessments existing at the time the property is requisitioned. On the other hand, the construction of temporary camps and other establishments for the accommodation and training of troops during the war emergency should not have the effect of augmenting the rate income of the local authorities for those areas in which the camps, etc., may happen to be situated and no contributions in lieu of rates are, accordingly, granted in respect of such temporary structures. I may add for the information of my hon. and gallant Friend that where any services are rendered by local authorities to these temporary camps or establishments reasonable payments for the services are made on application. These arrangements apply to East Sussex rural and urban districts equally with the country as a whole.