Are these tenements taken on the expectation that the rates will be excused?—Yes; in many cases they are told when objecting to the payment of the rent that they will have no rates to pay.
Considering the qualities of the tenements, are the rents charged really high rents?—Yes, they are.
Are they such rents, as would justify the levy or the deduction of rates from the proprietor, comparing them with the rents paid for good property?—Yes, they are such rents; the house which I live in, and for which I pay rates, and pay 8l. a-year rent, is a house of three rooms on a floor, two floors, detached yard, and every convenience; whilst cottages of a very inferior description, with two rooms only on a floor, are as high rented and pay no rates.
Are the rents from the inferior tenements rigorously exacted?—Yes, they are.
Are the occupants of these houses frequently applicants for parochial relief?—Yes, they are.
Do any numbers of them receive relief?—Yes, they do.
What is the average amount of weekly out-door relief given to the recipients?—Perhaps about 3s.
Then the average relief is of the average amount of the rent of the tenements you describe?—Yes; and I have no doubt that much of the relief has gone to pay rent.
If the rates were duly exacted, do you think it must follow that the unduly high rents must be lowered in proportion?—Yes, they must.
If the landlords were compelled to pay the rates, what would be the saving to the town?—1s. in the pound.