§ 1. Mr. Haleasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Inland Revenue department has not yet completed the reassessment of industrial hereditaments in Lancashire due to be completed in 1948; whether he is aware that county borough councils in Lancashire are thus having to bear heavy unnecessary burdens on the rates; and what steps he proposes to take.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI assume the hon. Member has in mind the proposals made by local authorities in 1948 for the increase of rating assessments on cotton mills. I hope that, as a result of recent discussions with the industry, more rapid progress will be made with the settlement of the outstanding cases. At any rate increases will date back to 1948 the finances of the local authorities concerned are safeguarded.