HC Deb 12 December 1928 vol 223 cc2121-2
59. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that assessment committees in various urban and rural districts are raising the assessment on dwelling-houses by from 5 to 20 per cent.; and will he say what check his Department exercises to see that all districts, urban and rural, shall be treated alike?

Sir K. WOOD

The determination of assessments is a matter which Parliament has entrusted to the local authorities, subject to the right of appeal to the Courts. The Central Valuation Committee, composed of representatives of local authorities and constituted under statutory provision for the purpose of promoting uniformity of valuation, has issued a number of recommendations with that object. My right hon. Friend has no powers which would enable him to interfere with the discretion of the local authorities.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Has not the Minister of Health a panel of experts, and does he not send out instructions to assessment committees? Finally, is there any sort of check to see that rural and urban districts are treated alike in the matter of house property?

Sir K. WOOD

No, assessment committees have to determine the matter themselves, subject to an appeal to the Court. As regards rural and urban districts, the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's suggestion would obviously not be the proper thing to do. It would depend, for instance, when the last assessment was made.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these householders cannot possibly appeal? They have not the means to do it. It is only companies that can go to the Courts, and they are doing it successfully.

Sir K. WOOD

Anyone who has knowledge of the subject knows that many appeals have been made by private individuals. In the first place, they go to the assessment committees.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it any use for committees of ratepayers to get together in order to appeal collectively against what amounts to a local rather than an individual increase?

Sir K. WOOD

Various people interested in the same question can, of course, be concerned in a case if they so desire.