§ 39. Sir COOPER RAWSONasked the Minister of Health whether he has received any representations from local authorities or charitable organisations with regard to the effect of the operation of the Rating and Valuation Act of 1925 on hospitals and similar institutions; and whether he proposes to take any action in consequence?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)My right hon. Friend has received communications on this subject from the British Hospitals Association and from the authorities of certain hospitals, but not from local authorities. I can only refer to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Chippenham (Captain Cazalet) on 2nd July.
§ Sir C. RAWSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Sussex County Council, which is very well known to him, have had their assessment raised from £100 to £1,600, and are the assessment committees of the different localities justified in making nominal assessments, as they have done hitherto? If not, shall we have any opportunity of discussing the matter at an early date, as it affects so many hospitals all over the country?
§ Sir K. WOODIf assessment committees are not acting properly and within the law, there is a remedy by way of appeal.