§ 42. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the case reported at Haddington on 20th September, where the local assessment committee had endeavoured to increase the assessable value of a house on the ground that the house had been wired for electric light; and whether he is prepared to take steps to safeguard people who have their houses wired from the risk of being penalised by higher assessments?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI understand that the case to which my hon. Friend refers was that of a house in Haddington, the owner-occupier of which was successful in an appeal to the East Lothian Valuation Committee against an increase of £2 made by the assessor in the annual value of the house. Having regard to the provisions in the Lands Valuation (Scotland) Acts for the making of appeals, I have no reason to consider that the interests of house owners or occupiers are not adequately safeguarded.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman communicate with assessment committees in Scotland as to the undesirability of their raising assessments when people indulge in the use of such popular commodities?
§ Sir G. COLLINSNo, Sir, I must leave that matter in their hands.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISIs not this an argument in favour of relieving all improvements from increases of assessment and taxation?