ioo RATES AND TAXES 



argument, so far as local expenditure is for 

 purely local benefit, it should, of course, be 

 met out of local resources. This is obvious 

 both on grounds of equity and economy. 



Here, again, however, the present rating 

 system seems inadequate, and in itself 

 to call for reform. 1 On this topic I will 

 notice only one or two points bearing on 

 agriculture. It seems reasonable that with 

 due regard to existing contracts, rates should 

 be divided between the owner and the 

 occupier, as was recommended by the Duke 

 of Richmond's Commission on the Depression 

 of Agriculture. The reasons in favour of 

 the proposal involve the question of inci- 

 dence, and will be taken up later. The 

 proportion of the division in different cases 

 would be a matter for inquiry, but even a 

 simple equal division, half and half, would be 



1 " The number of rating authorities in England and 

 Wales is over 1,000." Valuation Report, p. 29. 



