§ 53. Mr. C. EDWARDSasked the Minister of Health whether he has received communications from local authorities asking permission to be allowed to assess the new houses for rating purposes the same as pre-War houses of similar size and convenience; whether he is aware that if rent is to be taken as the basis for rating purposes the new houses will be rated nearly three times higher than pre-War houses; and will he take steps to comply with these requests?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have received a few representations on this matter, but I would remind the hon. Member that the question of the basis of assessment of new houses has been considered by Parliament this Session upon the Rent Restriction Bill, and a provision was inserted in that Bill which limits the gross estimated rental of such houses for the purpose of the valuation list.