asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the Galway borough rates lost £4,800 in the year 1949-50 due to the failure of the Electricity Supply Board to pay on the present valuation of its property, and if he will have the matter remedied.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Supply Board and Galway Rates.
Under Section 11 of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1930, as amended by Section 4 of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1942, the Electricity Supply Board are liable only for rates on acquired undertakings on the basis of the valuation under the Valuation Acts as existed at the time the undertaking or undertakings were acquired by the board under Sections 38 or 39 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1927.
The valuations on the mains and transformers erected by the Electricity Supply Board since the date of acquisition are exempt under Section 12 of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1930. I am not at present prepared to recommend any alteration of these arrangements.