HC Deb 19 November 1928 vol 222 cc1386-8
80. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Minister of Health if he has received any communications from rural authorities showing the old valuations and the new; and if he is aware that in some cases farmers will be called upon to pay more rates than formerly, although they will be exempt from paying certain rates under the Government's de-rating scheme?

Sir K. WOOD

The Annual Reports which my right hon. Friend has received from the Assessment Committees of those areas in which the new valuation lists under the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, came into force on the 1st April, 1928, show the totals of the old assessable values and of the new rateable values of each Rating area within those areas. I have no information which would support the statement in the latter part of the question.

Mr. THORNE

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the correspondence in the "Daily Mail" and other papers, in which a number of practical farmers are pointing out that, as between the old valuations and the new, they will be called upon to pay more rates, in spite of the de-rating proposals?

Sir K. WOOD

I have seen one letter in the "Daily Mail" only, and an examination of that letter shows that, instead of losing on the transaction, tie gentleman in question would have gained. The hon. Member may be thinking of other correspondence. Perhaps there have been letters in the "Daily Herald" as well.

Mr. THORNE

There are letters in other papers besides the "Daily Mail" —not in the "Daily Herald."

Captain GARRO-JONES

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any information to show that in some cases, although agricultural land is being de-rated, the rates on the farm houses will be increased; and will he take steps to deal with that matter?

Sir K. WOOD

I should like information about that, put as the hon. and gallant Gentleman and his party are opposed to de-rating agricultural land altogether, I do not think I can help him.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what we are opposed to is not the de-rating of agricultural land and putting it on to the houses?