Note 21 — Chapter VII · THE AREA OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
Reading edition
Cf. Marshall, "The fundamental attribute of land is its extension."—"Principles of Economics," Book I, p. 221.
[22] "Great Landowners." John Bateman (Harrison).
[23] These classifications are purely arbitrary.
[24] See C 6980, page 79.
[25] It has been constantly stated that the land rents of the United Kingdom amount to £250,000,000. Such an estimate is unwarranted.
[26] It is only in the large towns that land rents have risen. Many towns of less than 20,000 in population are decreasing in size and their rents consequently falling. In the ten years ended 1901 no less than 187 towns of from 2,000 to 50,000 inhabitants declined in population.
[27] The point is of so much importance that it may be well to quote some expressions of opinion on the subject.
"In practice there is little doubt that the majority of intending tenants, both in town and country, do take the precaution of enquiring what rates or taxes they will have to pay, and vary their estimates accordingly. In their case, then, it is the landlord, and not the tenant, who bears the burden of the rates." "Land Nationalisation" (p. 86), by Harold Cox. (Methuen & Co.).
"We have assumed with most economists, that in the end, on the average, the rates, however levied, fall upon the owner (inasmuch as they compel him to lower the rent which he demands for his property)." "Towards a Social Policy" (p. 49), by a Committee of Liberals. "The Speaker" Publishing Co. Ld.