I move:—
That a supplementary sum not exceeding £5,000 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending the 31st day of March, 1950, for Rates and Contributions in lieu of Rates, etc., in respect of Government Property, and for Contributions towards Rates on Premises occupied by Representatives of External Governments.
When this Estimate is made up in any year the sum that is needed to meet the claims of local authorities is taken on the basis of the pound as it then exists, and to that, according to whether the rates go upwards or downwards, a percentage is added or taken away. Last year when the Estimate was made up a certain percentage was added. That has not proved sufficient and the extra amount is now required.