§ 68. Lieut.-Colonel HILDERasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in current re-assessments for local rates rateable values are in some cases being increased by 100 per cent. and over and that this will impose in some cases an almost impossible burden on small property holders, who are already suffering severely from the deterioration in values owing to the competition of Government-subsidised cottages; and will he consider the possibility of a remedy?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Alfred Mond)My attention has not been drawn to any cases of the kind referred to, nor am I aware that the competition of houses built under the 2367 Government Housing Scheme is causing deterioration in the values of other properties. I would point out that a general re-assessment of an area does not necessarily involve an increased rate burden, and that, in cases of over-assessment, the law provides a method whereby persons can appeal against the rateable value placed on their property.