§ 63. Sir W. SUGDENasked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the general increase in the assessment of property in the new valuation lists or draft valuation lists under the Rating and Valuation Acts and the apprehension on the part of ratepayers that their rates will thereby be materially increased, he will consider the advisability of circularising rating authorities, suggesting the desirability of their taking steps to inform the ratepayers at large that, in so far as the assessments show a general increase in a rating area, there will normally he a proportionate set-off to that increase by the reduction of the rate in the£to 1708 be levied on the new assessments; and that the rating authority will endeavour to secure, as far as practicable and to the extent to which they are responsible for expenditure, that the reduction in rates to be levied will be commensurate with the general increase in assessable values?
§ Sir K. WOODThe general position, as stated by my hon. Friend, has already received wide publicity in the Press. If any local authority think it desirable that their ratepayers should be further assured, it is open to them to issue a statement, but my right hon. Friend does not consider that he could properly make any general suggestion in the matter. No doubt my hon. Friend's question will have the effect of bringing the point to the notice of local authorities and the public.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not the case that this has not had the effect of relieving the misapprehension of the ratepayers?
§ Sir K. WOODPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will assist us in removing that misapprehension?