§ 49. Mr. Stokesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons will be involved in taking valuations of compensation and betterment under the Town and Country Planning Bill; and how this number compares with the estimated figure of persons required to make a valuation prior to introducing a comprehensive tax on site values.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Dalton)I cannot yet say how many valuers will be required under the Town and Country Planning Bill. The numbers needed for a general valuation for a tax on land values would depend on the precise nature of the scheme, but a valuation of all properties would almost certainly require many more staff than one covering a limited number of properties.
§ Mr. StokesAs the Town and Country Planning Bill envisages the expenditure of a million pounds a year for five years, and, ultimately, of £300 million of public money, and as the Snowden Act at today's valuation meant the expenditure of £2 million once to obtain an annual revenue of £500 million a year, does not my right hon. Friend think that it would be an advantage to scrap part of the Town and Country Planning Bill and go in for the comprehensive taxation of site values?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir. I think my hon. Friend was abroad when this subject was discussed in another place, but I did endeavour to give some help to him and to those who think with him on the subject which is so near to his heart.