§ 64. Mr. OLDFIELDasked the Minister of Health whether he has received a petition signed by 187 residents of Wickford, Essex, protesting against the increase in rating assessments in the Wickford area consequent upon the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925; and, if so, what action does he propose to take?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have received the petition, but I have no power to interfere with the discretion of the local assessment authorities. I can only refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him on 6th February last.
§ Mr. OLDFIELDSince the increases in this area are out of all proportion to the increases in the surrounding neighbourhood, will the right hon. Gentleman bring the facts to the notice of the county valuation committee who have certain duties entrusted to them under Section 18 of the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe information is before them. The remedy of the ratepayers is to bring the matter into the courts.