§ 37. Mr. OSWALD LEWISasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that many ratepayers whose assessments have been raised by the rating authority get their first intimation of the fact when a demand is made for payment of rates upon this increased assessment; and if be will consider the advisability of intro- 1867 ducing legislation to require rating authorities to serve a notice upon the ratepayers concerned of their intention to increase the assessment of their properties?
Sir H. YOUNGThe point will receive consideration in connection with any legislation to amend the Rating and Valuation Acts. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that the requirement to serve individual notices in connection with a general revaluation was specifically repealed by the Act of 1928 on grounds of economy in view of the fact that the principal Act contains provisions which enable ratepayers to have their assessments reviewed at any time and that any reduction of assessment so obtained has retrospective effect.
§ Mr. LEWISWould it be possible to arrange, on the last demand note for rates at the end of each quinquennial period, that a notice should either be printed on the demand note or sent with it, to the effect that the new valuation list is in course of preparation?
§ Mr. THORNEIs there any general rule given to the valuation committees for the purpose of assessing property?