On Tuesday in the House of Lords the Government withdrew
Clause 4 of the Rating and Valuation Bill. This Clause, provided an opportunity for recourse to the High. Court for. an authoritative opinion in cases where rating practice was not, uniform. The Lord Chancellor explained that, as a result of the strong criticisms of the Clause, he had been consulted by the Government and had been given the task of deciding whether the Clause should or should not be retained. He advised, against the Clause because although he felt that the proposal was attractive it might cause the impression that there was some improper connexion between the Executive and the Judiciary. He agreed that the two must be quite independent. It was the function of the Judiciary to protect the subject against the Crown and any confusion of functions would be perilous. * * * *
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