asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of the serious losses suffered by the majority of ratepayers, owing to the late harvest and the inclement whether since January last, he is prepared to extend the period for the closing of warrants for the collection of rates, in areas administered by county councils, beyond the 31st March, 1947.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rate Collection.
The extension of the time for the payment of rates rests with the rate collector in each individual case. Less than 40 per cent. of the rates collectable by poor rate collectors in rural areas was outstanding on 31st December last and it may be assumed that a large proportion of the amounts then outstanding has since been collected. I have no power to direct collectors to extend the period for payment. Where a collector is satisfied that the rates in a particular case are temporarily uncollectable in consequence of the exceptional weather conditions of recent weeks he can when preparing his schedule of uncollected rates after the close of the financial year report the reason for non-collection. I have no doubt county managers will be prepared to give sympathetic consideration to such cases and allow the arrears to be carried forward for collection in the next financial year.
Do I understand from the Parliamentary Secretary that the whole matter of extension rests with the county manager in each county?
It rests with the rate collector primarily and the manager then inspects the lists of uncollectable rates and takes a decision accordingly.
I am not speaking of uncollectable rates, as such, that occur in every county every year. I am speaking about the extension of the warrants for the whole county, which power, I take it, rests only with the Minister. Is that so?
It is a matter for the county manager. The Minister cannot amend the law in regard to the collection of rates or the administration of the Public Bodies Order.
I may take it that the county manager has power to extend the period for the warrants in each county for any period he likes?
That is the case.
Very good, thanks.